TAMALPAIS BRANCH NO. 47 A Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation of Retired Men Devoted to the Promotion of Independence and Dignity of Retirement.

Big Sir -- Tim Leveque 415-888-3242 Little Sir– Paul Bell 415-456-5219

Secretary - Ned Lawrence - 415-595-1092 Ass’t Sect’y - Mike Kelly - 415-380-1885 Treasurer - Paul Schofield - 415-892-7019

Ass’t Treas.–Will Kaefer - 415-927-1043

A SIR PUBLICATION

MARIN COUNTY NOVEMBER 2017 VOL. XLIII NO. 11 OUR 43ND YEAR

Luncheon Meeting: McINNIS GOLF CENTER, SAN RAFAEL

Fourth Tuesday of the month Happy Hour at 11:00 am, as always

Editor/Publisher - Ron Kosciusko –415-435-0650 Attendance Committee—415-881-7477

Cashier - Glen Ohm - 415-479-5693

Directors: Tom Brady Tom Culhane Jim Kleiser George Miller Jake Solomon Doug Twitchell

BIG SIR’S MESSAGE

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INCORPORATED

State President - Jerry Strain (sirjerry42@gmail.com) Region 10 Director - Jim Filippo 415-892-2063 Area 6 Governor -

www.SIR47.ORG Our own website

Well, it finally happened. At our last luncheon our scheduled speaker did not show up. So we improvised. Our members came to the rescue by telling stories and jokes to amuse our members. In particular, I want to thank Chuck McDevitt and Doug Twitchell for their timely jokes and stories. Friday October 20, fourteen of our members joined with other SIRS branches at Golden Gate Fields for a day at the races. We enjoyed the races, the fabulous buffet lunch, and the great seats in the Jockey Club. There will be another “race day for Sirs” next year. We will keep you informed. November we will have our final SIRS luncheon for the year. It will be your last chance to invite a friend to meet with our fellows SIRS. On December 6th we will have our Christmas party at the McInnis Golf course. Chuck Mc Devitt will be selling tickets at our next luncheon. If you can not make the luncheon but want to attend the Christmas party, call Chuck to make your reserva-tion. See you at our November 28, luncheon. It starts at 11:45am. Remember to bring a friend. Have a nice Thanksgiving.

Tim Leveque Big Sir

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November 28th Luncheon Menu

Salad Baked Ham with honey glaze, potatoes and veg

Alternative: Penne pomodoro Pasta and vegetables

Rolls and butter Dessert

Note: Price increase to $27

SEPTEMBER SPEAKER REVIEW

Uzumati – A Tale of Yosemite

Authored by Edmund Addeo

Contributed by Alan Thomas

Forty years in the making, the book “Uzumati – A Tale of Yo-

semite” by Edmund Addeo is considered to be his Magnus Opus.

The noted Chanticleer Reeves group gave this book the Chaucer

Award for “best historical fiction” which came as a surprise to

Addeo. The author refers to the book as the “Hawaii of Yosemite

Valley” in homage to the great James Michener.

Edmund Addeo is a renaissance man and excelled in such diverse

fields as engineering, photography, journalism and of course,

writing. He was born in New York but has lived in California for

many years.

Many years ago, Ed Addeo went to Yosemite to take photo-

graphs. On his first visit, he was awestruck by the incredible

views of waterfalls, mountains and the entire valley which one

suddenly encounters on the route. Early on, Addeo realized that

there were a limited number of books written about Yosemite.

Ed took up a three month residency in Foresta, a privately owned

area within the valley and began researching the valley historical-

ly, geologically and in other ways. This led to a forty year quest

which he recently completed

To introduce his topic, Ed informed his audience that all human-

kind came out of Africa. Anthropologists deduced that people

came across the Behring Sea to include those who were ultimate-

ly identified as Native Americans, otherwise known as Indians.

The opening era of Addeo’s book is 1100 B. C. at the foot of Mt.

Shasta. Spanning thousands of years, his fictional piece spans the

travels of the Miwok tribe from Mt. Shasta to the Mariposa Indi-

an War of 1851. At that time, Addeo portrays the Indian War of

1851. At that time, white men enter the valley to do battle with

the legendary Chief Tenaya. The guttural word “Uzumati” was

used to identify “grizzly bear” but was unpronounceable by white

men. Usage transposed it to Yosemite which ultimately came to

identify the entire valley.

General Fremont was instrumental in adding to the history of

Yosemite Valley. Fremont took the position of spy to see which

Indian tribes were killing white men. Fremont’s assistant treated

the Indians in the area well. The Mariposa Battalion was made of

up 150 men. The men of this unit were the first Caucasians to see

a monolithic rock, probably either Half Dome or El Capitan. The

men of the Mariposa Battalion entered the valley on March 21,

1851. A war between troops and Indians did result within this

year. Addeo’s book includes much more history, both before and

after the events of 1851.

Ed Addeo combines his text between factual and fictional ac-

counts. However, while his book may be primarily based on fic-

tional accounts, the history that he covers is based on fact and

today his book stands as perhaps the premier book obtainable on

the anthropology of Yosemite.

Executive Board of Directors Highlights of October 23.

1. . Tim ceded the floor to Kurt Heilman who spoke about our

branch’s efforts to stimulate attendance at Branch 47’s special

parties, functions, and gatherings. There was a wide ranging

discussion and lots of new ideas on how to get more people to

attend these events. Based on Kurt’s recent survey, it has been

decided to hold our parties on Tuesdays rather than Wednes-

days. We need to figure out ways to get more wives and wid-

ows of former members engaged, and ditto for figuring out how

to get single guys to attend. Joint parties were mentioned as a

possibility. We could/should reach out to widows and single

guys by phone or e-mail, and members’ sponsors can help by

making the necessary contacts. Inviting spouses to lunches is

another possibility. Kurt will give a brief talk about attendance

at Branch 47 parties at tomorrow’s luncheon.

2.Treasurer’s report. Paul Schofield reported that all 107 of our

members have paid their dues, and we have $10,480.69 in our

checking account. We have a manageable luncheon deficit

($1,184.29), which is in line with previous deficit reports. Re-

port approved. 3.Next Executive Board meeting: Nov. 27, 2017. Today’s

meeting adjourned at 11:10.

Minutes composed by Michael Kelly

Sir November 2017 Speaker

Brian Sobel – Sobel Communications

The Fighting Pattons presents a unique view of a mili-tary family with 79 years of continuous service from the punitive action in Mexico in 1916 through Vietnam. The towering figure of General George S. Patton, Jr. had gained legendary status by the end of World War II when Major General George S. Patton began his career and carried the family military tradition into new areas of warfare and geography, both in Korea and Vietnam.

by Brian Sobel

TRAVEL

Nov 2-9, 2017: Branson, Bentonville & Beyond. Wine, Dine and Yacht with Branson entertainers and see the beautiful scenery and historic sites of the Northwest Arkansas. Tour includes: RT Air, 7 nights Deluxe Hotel, Profes-

sional Guide, Deluxe Motorcoach, 17 meals, admis-

sion to attractions and taxes and baggage. Tom Dun-

canson, Br 20, Santa Cruz, 831-662-8605.

Dec 29-Jan 2, 2018: Rose Parade New Year’s Mak-

ing a difference. A way to honor and celebrate all of

the people in our communities. RT air, 4 nights’ hotel,

7 meals, deluxe Motorcoach, Professional escorts.

Reserved seating at the 129th Annual Tournament of

Roses Parade with many tour options included. Joe

Salamida, Br 54, 408-767-2838 or Archie Belogloviski,

408-253-3956.

Dec 29- Jan 2, 2018: New Year’s in Memphis at

New Graceland Guest House. Highlights include 4

nights at the New Graceland Guest House, Gala New

Year’s Eve Dinner, Tour of Graceland, Rock n Soul

Museum, Memphis Music Hall of Fame, The Cotton

Museum, Lorraine Motel & Nat’l Civil Rights Museum.

Fabulous Memphis Farewell Dinner & entertainment.

Tom Duncanson, Br 20, Santa Cruz, 831-662-8605. or

Lee Suess, 209-296-2235.

Jan 12-22, 2018 Cruising the Mexican Riviera. A 10-

night cruise from SF on the Grand Princess with ports

of call in Puerta Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Cabo

San Lucas and back to SF. Cost ranges from $1565 to

$2375 depending on cabin and includes all taxes and

fees, all tipping for drivers, pre-trip orientation, home

pick up and return and all shipboard meals. Rollo Par-

sons Br.141, 408-268-5245 or Brian Serpa, 408-227-

7658.

Feb 8-16,2018: Tropical Costa Rica. Highlights of

this trip include, air, insurance, 13 meals, gratuities

and guides. You will visit the unique ecosystem of the

Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Doka Coffee Estate, the

Arenal Volcano the Cano Negro Nature Preserve and

much more. Cost is $3299. Jim Stoner, Br 114, 408-

238-8458 or Larry Martinson, 408-528-0746.

Questions?? Your Travel Chairman:

Kurt Heilman –415 892-2460

BOWLING

Bowling League bowling is every Friday at Country Club Bowl, 88 Vivian Way, San Rafael.

Start time: 10:45 AM. Come and share the fun!

Contact Paul Schofield, Chair 892-7019

GOLF Chairman Tom Brady, 897-8573

November 6 Monday Chardonnay 08:00 $40

November 13 Monday Foxtail North 08:00 $40

Final Event & Lunch

9-Hole Golf at McInnis Park Mondays at 9:00 am, weather permitting

TENNIS, ANYONE?

Every Wednesday 9 AM McInnis Park

Bill Donnelly 897-8966 or Glen Ohm 479-5693

REMEMBER:

Our regular lunch dates are on the

FOURTH TUESDAY, of

every month

BRANCH 47 BOCCE The first Monday of each month; no cost to play. Spouses and guests

are encouraged to attend. We start with Lunch at 12 noon @ the

Swiss Hotel on the Sonoma Square. Then we play Bocce @ about

1:30 pm at Depot Park behind the Swiss Hotel. Bring your own

Bocce balls, if you have them.

Contact: Kurt Heilman @ 415-892-2460 or

heilmanfour@comcast.net to let him know if you want to be on the

mailing list or to join us for lunch and bocce.

SIR ROLLING ROAMERS RV CLUB Join us for lunch 2nd Tuesday of each month

& on our outings.

For information, contact SIR Ray Canziani Branch 22, Wagon Master (415) 453-4463

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OCTOBER ATTENDANCE REPORT

Total Members 103

Members Present 67 65%

Guests: 1

Visitors: 1

To call-in non-attendance, order an alternative plate or to

notify you’re bringing a guest/visitor .

Call or Text 415-881-7477

or E-mail sirbranch47@gmail.com

with your request, giving name and badge number

Please call by noon of the Friday

before the lunch date

QUICKEN SIG 2nd Tuesdays, 10:am B. Bloch, GGCS, 415-388-3864

ADVANCED DIGITAL CAMERA STUFF 3rd Wednesdays, vp@ggcs.org

All Wednesday sessions are from 1:30 to 3:30 pm

GGCS classroom First Presbyterian Church Fifth Avenue, San Rafael

All are welcome. Open to all of Area 6.

INVESTORS LUNCH BUNCH

Second Friday of the month at Sam’s Place

at 1545 South Novato Blvd. Order off from

the complete Breakfast/Lunch menu and

receive individual checks. No reservations are

required. Meeting will start at 11:45, followed by

presentations and discussions.

Contacts:

Will Kaefer 415-927-1043,or

Brian Stompe 415-897-1610

Pa

BRIDGE GROUP

The bridge group meets on the third Thursday of each month at a

member’s home. Play is from 10 am to 2 pm. To reserve space and

get directions for the next event, call or email

Charles Caviness: 415 435-9618

THURSDAY WALKING/HIKING GROUP

1st week each month:Jake Solomon 415-472-3069

2nd week each month Pierre Terrier 415-785-4513

3rd week each month:Al Springstead 415-250-3808 4th week each month: Alan Thomas 415-457-4576 5th week (if applicable): Dee Stuever 415-459-6751

Call leaders for details about future walks and hikes

REMEMBER:

Our regular lunch dates are on

the FOURTH TUESDAY,

every month

FISHING

The fishermen meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Novato United Methodist Church at

9:30am. For detailed information,contact SIR Bill Cline, Branch 134, @

415 892-0209

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Summary: Actives - 103 Inactives - 6 Gains: 0 0 Losses: 0 0

PERFECT ATTENDANCE 2016

Al ANDERSON, Thomas BRADY, Russell FLAUM, Ken GRIFFIN, Jim HANCOCK, Mike KELLY, Donald D. KUCHTA, Tim LEVEQUE, Hans SCHMID, William E. SMITH, Jake SOLOMON, Al SPRINGSTEAD, Pierre, TERRIER

OCTOBER LUNCH TICKET WINNER Number 33

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY BOYS

2nd Kurt Heilman, 3rd Tom Brady,6th Marv Mizis

9th Ron Nass,13th Terry Scott,16th Neil Burton,

18th Bernie WU, 21st Jim Dowling, 26th Bob Gonzalez

27th Trevor Davey,28th Harold Lichterman,

30th Jake Solomon

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(Outings continued)

7. Weill Hall 2017-18 Season of great performances @ the Green Music Center @ Sonoma State University. For tickets contact gmc.sonoma.edu or 1-866-955-6040. Cost varies depending upon performances. The next performances are: * Fri. Nov 3 @ 7:30 pm Mariinsky Or-chestra, * Fri. Nov 10 @ 7:30 pm Les Arts Florissants, Sat. Nov 11 @ 7:30 pm Tetzlaff Quartet, Sun. Nov 12 @ 3:00 pm Tango Buenos Aires, Friday Dec. 1 Late night with

Leonard Bernstein ...... 8. Marin Onstage @ the Belrose Theatre. Oct. 27 – Nov. 18 “Pinky” An obsessive comedy about love, friendship and other role playing games. This tells two stories at one time one from David’s and the other from Pinky’s perspective. It is the “Godfather “ of nerdy teenage love stories. 9. Fresh Starts Chef Events @ Homeward Bound. Fine dinners cooked @ Homeward bound in Novato by re-nowned local Chefs. These Thursday 6:30 pm dinners are on: Nov. 2 Celebrate dia de los Muertos with Tastes of Mexico, Fri. Dec. 1 John Ash, and Jan 18 Joanne Weir. The cost is generally $60 pp. Make your own reservations

@ 415-382-3363 ex.243.

CHEERS, Kurt Heilman

1-415-892-2460

BRANCH 47 OUTINGS

1. As mentioned at our Oct. 24 Br 47 luncheon, we have another Br 47 Outing with the Mill Valley Phil-harmonic Concert on Saturday, Nov. 18th @ 4 pm @ Mt Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Val-ley. After this free Concert, we propose dinner @ 6:30 pm @ Piazza D’Angelo, 22 Miller Way, Mill Valley. The Mill Valley Philharmonic (MVP) presents “There is a Season” performing Joachum Raff’s “Symphony #10, Shumann’s “Spring Symphony # 1”, Ginastera’s “Variaciones Concertantes” and Arvo Part “Cantus”. 2. A unique opportunity suggested by Bob Gonza-lez. Enjoy Vintage Music and tour the lovely Victori-an Home of Richard Reutlinger in San Francisco. Concerts are on specific Sat & Sun afternoons @ 2 pm (doors open @ 1:30 pm so you can tour the old Victorian before the concert.). * Dec 9 & 10 Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi. The location is 824 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94117; the door opens at 1:30 pm and the concert begins at 2 pm; the price is $25 per person. Make the check payable to Richard Reutlinger and mail it to his home on 824 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94117. Free champagne and snacks are served during intermission as you enjoy Richard’s fine collection of mechanical mu-sical instruments. Be sure to mention which day you wish to attend and buy your tickets early to guarantee seating. 2. Cinnabar Theater: 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North,

Petaluma suggested by Al Anderson. Contact center-stageticketing.com or 707-763-8920. Next music venues: Sun Nov. 12 @ 4 pm Cinnabar Choruses – CinnaGals. Tickets $15 pp, Sun Nov 19 @7:30 pm Holly Near and Friends. $30 pp in advance.Dec 15 – Jan 14 “My Way”

a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra.$35 pp in advance. 3. Pizza in the Piazza at Jacuzzi Winery on the last Sunday of the month from 12 pm – 3 pm. The last date is Sunday Nov 26, 2017. Treat yourself to lunch in the Piazza! Enjoy wine paired with pizza made fresh in their kitchen.from Greenstring Farm. Cost is $10 for a slice & glass of paired wine, OR $30 for an 8" pizza & bottle of paired wine.(Tax not included in pricing. Dates subject to change. Reservations not needed.) 4. The 31st West Coast Ragtime Festival on Nov 17-

19 in Sacramento. also recommended by Bob Gonza-lez. Contact westcoastragtime.com or call 916-457-3324 (for info) or 415-891-3094 (for badges). You can get badges for 1,2, or 3 days. 5. Ross Valley Players: Nov. 16 - Dec 10 “The games Afoot” For tickets con-tact rossvalleyplayers.com or call 1-415-456-9555 Ex 6. Marin Theatre Company: Nov 24 - Dec 17 | Bay

Area Premiere “Shakespeare in Love” based on the screenplay by Marc Norman & Tom Stoppard | Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall | Music by Paddy Cunneen | Directed by Jasson Minadakis. "It makes you feel grateful to be alive." –This charming adaptation of the Academy Award-winning screenplay features live musicians and 13 of the Bay Area’s favorite actors! Contact the Box Office at (415)388-5208, boxoffice@marintheatre.org, or visit us during regular Box Office hours of operation: 397 Miller

Ave. Mill Valley, CA |94941 (Continued)

Branch 47’s Annual Christmas Holiday Party Wednesday, December 6th. 2017 At McInnis Golf Club, San Rafael

Cost: $46 per person:

Social Hour: 4:30 pm—5:30 pm Includes Appetizers and Champagne

Cash Bar: Beer $,5 House wine $7 Cocktails $8 House Wine Bottle $24

<Holiday Entertainment will be provided>

5:30 pm Sit-down Holiday Meal

with Choice of:

Make a reservation by contacting Chuck McDevitt

At (415) 924-6949 or Cell (415) 420-2299.

Chuck will be collecting for the event at our lunch on Nov. 28th.

No refunds within 48.hrs. of event

Prime rib, Rack of Lamb, Pasta Pomodoro, Herb crusted salmon

Tiramsu for desert

AREA 6 MONTHLY MEETINGS

Br. # Branch Phone 7 The Club at McInnis Park 1st Thursday 415 456-3763 22 The Club at McInnis Park 1st Tuesday 415 924-4862

47 Club at Mcinnis Park 4th Tuesday 415 881-7477 Happy Hour - 11:00 am; Luncheon - 11:45 am 68 The Club at McInnis Park 2nd Tuesday 415 479-3286 134 Embassy Suites 1st Tuesday 415 892-0209 ATTENDANCE: Failure to attend three consecutive meetings without giving prior notice to the Attendance Chairman, and/or failure to attend at least 6 meetings within the previous 12 months, may result in termination. Condensed from Rule 100 of State Policy Manual Attendance at another branch meeting, duly recorded with the Attendance Chairman of that branch, will be credited to a member's attendance record (Rule 101).

Call the branch phone listed above to secure a guest spot.

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE Please report SIR illnesses or deaths to

Bill Donnelly at 415 897-8966

THIS MONTH’S ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

TAMALTALK, SIR Branch 47 Ron Kosciusko, Publisher 402 Hilary Drive Tiburon, CA. 94920

Wednesday Nov 1 Tennis Thursday Nov 2 Walking Group Friday Nov 3 Bowling Monday Nov 6 9 Hole Golf Monday Nov 6 18 Hole Golf Wednesday Nov 8 Tennis Thursday Nov 9 Walking Group Friday Nov 10 Bowling Friday Nov 10 Investors’ Lunch Bunch Monday Nov 13 9 Hole Golf Monday Nov 13 18 Hole Golf final event & lunch Tuesday Nov 14 Rolling Roamers Tuesday Nov 14 Fishing Wednesday Nov 15 Advanced Digital Camera Stuff Wednesday Nov 15 Tennis Thursday Nov 16 Walking Group Thursday Nov 16 Bridge Friday Nov 17 Bowling Monday Nov 20 Nine Hole Golf Wednesday Nov 22 Tennis Thursday Nov 23 Thanksgiving Friday Nov 24 Bowling Friday Nov 24 WalkingGroup (Note Change) Monday Nov 27 Executive Committee MTG Monday Nov 27 TamalTalk Deadline for Nov Monday Nov 27 Nine Hole Golf Tuesday Nov 28 Branch 47 Luncheon Wednesday Nov 29 Tennis Thursday Nov 30 Walking Group

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will meet

Monday, November 27, 2017. 10:30 AM at the

McGinnis Park Golf Club Boardroom

350 Smith Ranch Road

San Rafael, CA 94903

BRANCH 47 LUNCHEON MEETINGS IN 2017

Fourth Tuesday Of The Month

January 24 (Tuesday) July 25 (Tuesday)

February 28 (Tuesday) August 22 (Tuesday)

March 28 (Tuesday) September 26 (Tuesday)

April 25 (Tuesday) October 24 (Tuesday)

May 23 (Tuesday) November 28 (Tuesday)

June 27 (Tuesday)

The Nominations Committee has recommended the

following SIRs to serve Branch 47 for 2018. Approved by

membership present vote on August 22nd. 2017

Big Sir: Paul Bell

Little Sir: Jim Norton

Secretary: Ned Lawrence

Asst. Secretary: Charles Stedwell

Treasurer: Paul Scofield

Asst. Treasurer: Will Kaefer

Directors (6): Tim Leveque, Jim Kleiser, George Miller,

Jake Solomon, Doug Twitchell, Bob Wilson

Jake Solomon