SIR 34 January 2020 Newsletter
Reminder: Our next regular meeting is on Thursday January 9th
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I wore a 'Black Metal' Venom T-shirt once, in January 1993, to promote black metal, and I regret having done that ever since. Varg Vikernes
“I am in no mood to fulminate on paper--I wish the two of us were in a room together talking of what matters most, the air thick with affinity. In January a man crawls into a cave of hopelessness; he hallucinates sympathies catching fire. Letters are glaciers, null frigates, trapping us where we are in the moment, unable to carry us on toward truth.”
― Carlene Bauer, Frances and Bernard
“I am in no mood to fulminate on paper--I wish the two of us were in a room together talking of what matters most, the air thick with affinity. In January a man crawls into a cave of hopelessness; he hallucinates sympathies catching fire. Letters are glaciers, null frigates, trapping us where we are in the moment, unable to carry us on toward truth.”
― Carlene Bauer, Frances and Bernard
Big SIR
Bill Staack
Greeting fellow SIRs and Happy New Year! May this new year and new decade bring you happiness, joy and comfort. Bill Junge and I look forward to serving you in the coming year. We hope to bring you interesting programs, and some new activities. We also look forward to all the current activities that help create community among our members. We do have fun, Bill and I hope to continue in that tradition.
Bill Staack
Greeting fellow SIRs and Happy New Year! May this new year and new decade bring you happiness, joy and comfort. Bill Junge and I look forward to serving you in the coming year. We hope to bring you interesting programs, and some new activities. We also look forward to all the current activities that help create community among our members. We do have fun, Bill and I hope to continue in that tradition.
Little SIR
Bill Junge
Guest Speaker
So now the Holidays are over, the lights are out, and the Christmas Tree is in the front yard waiting for the Boy Scouts to pick it up---just like last year! And now, just pay your credit card bills---just like last year!!
But wait….there’s more. This year you get two more Bills to deal with. Bill Staack is the Big Sir, and I’m Bill Junge (pronounced “Young” for those who don’t know me) your Little Sir.
My first order of business is to express my utmost thanks and appreciation to many of you that have consoled me after the passing of my wife, Linda, last May. Died on Memorial Day, buried on D-Day. I’ll never forget those dates. Thank you to those that attended her Funeral Mass at Saint Augustine’s and came to the Pleasanton Hotel afterwards. Thank you to those who sent cards, letters, and made donations in Linda’s memory. I truly appreciate the number of friends that I have made within the SIRS organization. Thank you all!!!
And now I turn to 2020. Your Bill and Bill team, with the help of your Board of Directors, has already lined up several luncheon speakers which we feel will be both informative and entertaining. Our January meeting, on January 9th, will feature a speaker from Sunflower Hill, an adult “Special Needs” facility under construction here in Pleasanton.
February 5t h (back to the First Thursday) will be from the Museum on Main, in Pleasanton. And on March 5th, I have arranged for a speaker from Hope Hospice. That falls into my “informative” category, dealing with “Care Giver Support,” a subject that may affect many of us. She promises to “keep it light”.
I’m working to fill out the year. I still have a couple of holes later on and I encourage anyone to contact me with suggestions and/or contacts. Sport figures, ex-politicians, and stand-up comics are always welcome.
Treasurer's Report
Tom Reif
Annual Dues Collection Time
Starting at our next meeting on January 9th, we will be collecting the annual $20.00 member dues. Checks made out to SIR Branch 34 are preferred and will improve your chances of being credited properly, but cash is also acceptable. It will be helpful to some of us old guys (like me) if you show us your badge when paying with cash. You can also mail your check to: Tom Reif, 2259 Kamp Ct, Pleasanton 94588
Think dues are too high? In 2002 our dues were $20/year. The state took $3.80 of that $20 for their expenses leaving us with $16.20. In 2020 our dues are still $20/year. The state now takes $7 leaving us with $13. Our members have more activities and our Branch is getting less funding. Just inflation would make the 2002 dues $28.60 in 2020.
Moral: You should happily pay your dues 😊
Please note: If you come in late for a meeting and there is no one at the table to buy a lunch ticket, please check the sign at the table to see where a treasurer (Wendell Moen, Jack Ogden or Tom Reif) is sitting and buy your ticket. Thanks for your help.
Bill Junge
Guest Speaker
So now the Holidays are over, the lights are out, and the Christmas Tree is in the front yard waiting for the Boy Scouts to pick it up---just like last year! And now, just pay your credit card bills---just like last year!!
But wait….there’s more. This year you get two more Bills to deal with. Bill Staack is the Big Sir, and I’m Bill Junge (pronounced “Young” for those who don’t know me) your Little Sir.
My first order of business is to express my utmost thanks and appreciation to many of you that have consoled me after the passing of my wife, Linda, last May. Died on Memorial Day, buried on D-Day. I’ll never forget those dates. Thank you to those that attended her Funeral Mass at Saint Augustine’s and came to the Pleasanton Hotel afterwards. Thank you to those who sent cards, letters, and made donations in Linda’s memory. I truly appreciate the number of friends that I have made within the SIRS organization. Thank you all!!!
And now I turn to 2020. Your Bill and Bill team, with the help of your Board of Directors, has already lined up several luncheon speakers which we feel will be both informative and entertaining. Our January meeting, on January 9th, will feature a speaker from Sunflower Hill, an adult “Special Needs” facility under construction here in Pleasanton.
February 5t h (back to the First Thursday) will be from the Museum on Main, in Pleasanton. And on March 5th, I have arranged for a speaker from Hope Hospice. That falls into my “informative” category, dealing with “Care Giver Support,” a subject that may affect many of us. She promises to “keep it light”.
I’m working to fill out the year. I still have a couple of holes later on and I encourage anyone to contact me with suggestions and/or contacts. Sport figures, ex-politicians, and stand-up comics are always welcome.
Treasurer's Report
Tom Reif
Annual Dues Collection Time
Starting at our next meeting on January 9th, we will be collecting the annual $20.00 member dues. Checks made out to SIR Branch 34 are preferred and will improve your chances of being credited properly, but cash is also acceptable. It will be helpful to some of us old guys (like me) if you show us your badge when paying with cash. You can also mail your check to: Tom Reif, 2259 Kamp Ct, Pleasanton 94588
Think dues are too high? In 2002 our dues were $20/year. The state took $3.80 of that $20 for their expenses leaving us with $16.20. In 2020 our dues are still $20/year. The state now takes $7 leaving us with $13. Our members have more activities and our Branch is getting less funding. Just inflation would make the 2002 dues $28.60 in 2020.
Moral: You should happily pay your dues 😊
Please note: If you come in late for a meeting and there is no one at the table to buy a lunch ticket, please check the sign at the table to see where a treasurer (Wendell Moen, Jack Ogden or Tom Reif) is sitting and buy your ticket. Thanks for your help.
Membership
Don Bartel Chairman
No New Members in December
December membership was 169
Don Bartel Chairman
No New Members in December
December membership was 169
January Birthdays
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Dennis Alcade
Steve Annin Darrell Bender Robert Bills Don Bush Tom Crawford |
Dick Fields
Bob Hadley Don Keith Tim Kennedy Ken Lewis |
Golf
We need a volunteer to serve as Communication Person and volunteer(s) to serve as Handicap Chairperson. Neither of these functions are very difficult or time consuming.
Elections for officers will be held along with next year branch officer elections, voting will be limited to golf group members
Jim Kenna (925) 989-9062
We need a volunteer to serve as Communication Person and volunteer(s) to serve as Handicap Chairperson. Neither of these functions are very difficult or time consuming.
Elections for officers will be held along with next year branch officer elections, voting will be limited to golf group members
Jim Kenna (925) 989-9062
| sir_2020_schedule_2.pdf |
Wine Tasting
Tony Davito
A new SIR and Wine Club member, Patrick McMullen, made arrangements with Concannon Vineyard to host our January Wine Club gathering. The event will be held in their Estate Room (located in the Building where their Wine Tasting Room is located) on January 16th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Each couple is asked to bring their favorite Hors d'oeuvres and purchase a bottle of wine at the Winery. As usual, each bottle of wine will be shared with the Group. Patrick has arrangemed for our Group to get a 15 per cent discount on all wine purchases.
Because of the size of the Estate Room attendance will be limited to a total of 40 people. The Winery is only charging us $100.00 for the use of their Room. If 40 people (20 couples) attend, each couple will be asked to pay $5.00. If you plan to attend, please email both Patrick ( [email protected]) and me( [email protected]).
Survey results – The majority of our Group indicated that the Host should decide the start time for our monthly Wine Club gatherings.
If you have questions, please call me at 925.846.7867.
Thanks, Tony Davito
BRIDGE
CHUCK BROWN
Bridge for December
In December, we met at the John Knox Presbyterian Church in Dublin.
We had three tables and the winners were: Joe Biggs, Chan Eason and Bill Van Gelder
Our next meeting will be January 14, 2020 at one PM.
Don Roberts
The camera club meets monthly at the Pleasant Senior Center. Any questions about Camera Club get in touch with Don Roberts at 846-5145 or email [email protected].
Chaplain
Larry Brumm
Please call Larry if you hear of any SIR sick, hospitalized, or injured so he can let everyone else
know.
Tony Davito
A new SIR and Wine Club member, Patrick McMullen, made arrangements with Concannon Vineyard to host our January Wine Club gathering. The event will be held in their Estate Room (located in the Building where their Wine Tasting Room is located) on January 16th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Each couple is asked to bring their favorite Hors d'oeuvres and purchase a bottle of wine at the Winery. As usual, each bottle of wine will be shared with the Group. Patrick has arrangemed for our Group to get a 15 per cent discount on all wine purchases.
Because of the size of the Estate Room attendance will be limited to a total of 40 people. The Winery is only charging us $100.00 for the use of their Room. If 40 people (20 couples) attend, each couple will be asked to pay $5.00. If you plan to attend, please email both Patrick ( [email protected]) and me( [email protected]).
Survey results – The majority of our Group indicated that the Host should decide the start time for our monthly Wine Club gatherings.
If you have questions, please call me at 925.846.7867.
Thanks, Tony Davito
BRIDGE
CHUCK BROWN
Bridge for December
In December, we met at the John Knox Presbyterian Church in Dublin.
We had three tables and the winners were: Joe Biggs, Chan Eason and Bill Van Gelder
Our next meeting will be January 14, 2020 at one PM.
Don Roberts
The camera club meets monthly at the Pleasant Senior Center. Any questions about Camera Club get in touch with Don Roberts at 846-5145 or email [email protected].
Chaplain
Larry Brumm
Please call Larry if you hear of any SIR sick, hospitalized, or injured so he can let everyone else
know.
History Club
Steve Jackson
For those of you who are history buffs this club might be of interest to you. We meet every second Wednesday of the month at 10am at the Corner Bakery Café near intersection of Bernal and Valley near I-680. We have a list of topics we want to explore. Please join us if you are interested and bring a fact or two with you to share.
Stephen Jackson [email protected]
Steve Jackson
For those of you who are history buffs this club might be of interest to you. We meet every second Wednesday of the month at 10am at the Corner Bakery Café near intersection of Bernal and Valley near I-680. We have a list of topics we want to explore. Please join us if you are interested and bring a fact or two with you to share.
Stephen Jackson [email protected]
Beer Group
Steve Annen
The beer group will meet next at 8 Bridges brewery in Livermore on Jan 23 at 4 pm 8 Bridges continues to be one of our favorite locations and breweries.
Steve Annen
The beer group will meet next at 8 Bridges brewery in Livermore on Jan 23 at 4 pm 8 Bridges continues to be one of our favorite locations and breweries.
Poker
Bill Junge
There was no poker game held in December because of the Holidays and the need to keep the money for wives’ Christmas presents. Poker shall resume on Thursday, January 23rd. Bob Law, in Livermore, has offered to host. New players are always welcome. It’s a friendly, low stakes game, a fun evening from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, in spite of some interesting games that Jim Benham dreams up.
Want to join in on the fun? e-mail Bill at [email protected].
Bill Junge
There was no poker game held in December because of the Holidays and the need to keep the money for wives’ Christmas presents. Poker shall resume on Thursday, January 23rd. Bob Law, in Livermore, has offered to host. New players are always welcome. It’s a friendly, low stakes game, a fun evening from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, in spite of some interesting games that Jim Benham dreams up.
Want to join in on the fun? e-mail Bill at [email protected].
Bocce
Steve Annen
The Bocce group has a new location It is at Fallon Sports Park In Dublin To get there you take Fallon Rd and then take a left on Central. The courts there are more weather friendly and can tolerate a lot of rain . The Pleasanton courts are not available during the rainy season and are going to be renovated this spring. So we will be in Dublin through the spring. We are playing next on Jan 7 at 10 am and then again on Jan 21.
The once a month Breakfast Group
Jim Benham
We had a good turn out for the last breakfast of the year at Vic's. We meet the last Wednesday of the month; the next SIRs Breakfast will be on Wednesday January 29, 2020 at Vic's Allstar Cafe on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton. We meet at 8:30 and wrap up about 10:00. Hope to see you there.
NEW Dinner Club
Jim Benham
We want to gauge interest in starting a once a quarter dinner club. The idea is to meet at a local restaurant for dinner, women are invited as well as single men wanting to get together for good conversation and a good meal. The first restaurants that we are considering are Pasta Trattoria, Andy & Yu"s both in Pleasanton and Zephyrs and Terra Mia in Livermore, not necessarily in that order. We will be looking for restaurants that can accommodate private rooms or areas and individual checks. The first dinner is targeted for March on a Monday or Tuesday evening. . Please send me an e-mail if you are [email protected].
Steve Annen
The Bocce group has a new location It is at Fallon Sports Park In Dublin To get there you take Fallon Rd and then take a left on Central. The courts there are more weather friendly and can tolerate a lot of rain . The Pleasanton courts are not available during the rainy season and are going to be renovated this spring. So we will be in Dublin through the spring. We are playing next on Jan 7 at 10 am and then again on Jan 21.
The once a month Breakfast Group
Jim Benham
We had a good turn out for the last breakfast of the year at Vic's. We meet the last Wednesday of the month; the next SIRs Breakfast will be on Wednesday January 29, 2020 at Vic's Allstar Cafe on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton. We meet at 8:30 and wrap up about 10:00. Hope to see you there.
NEW Dinner Club
Jim Benham
We want to gauge interest in starting a once a quarter dinner club. The idea is to meet at a local restaurant for dinner, women are invited as well as single men wanting to get together for good conversation and a good meal. The first restaurants that we are considering are Pasta Trattoria, Andy & Yu"s both in Pleasanton and Zephyrs and Terra Mia in Livermore, not necessarily in that order. We will be looking for restaurants that can accommodate private rooms or areas and individual checks. The first dinner is targeted for March on a Monday or Tuesday evening. . Please send me an e-mail if you are [email protected].