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 - Jake Solomon - 415-472-3069 Little Sir– Tim Leveque- 415-888-3242

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

Ass’t Treas.– Lon Sykes - 415-479-5369

A SIR PUBLICATION

MARIN COUNTY FEBRUARY 2016 VOL. XLIII NO. 2 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 John Freel Doug Twitchell

BIG SIR’S MESSAGE

Page 1

INCORPORATED

State President - Donald Dill

Region 10 Director - Jim Filippo 415-892-2063 Area 6 Governor - Frank Sokolowski

www.SIR47.ORG Our own website

Greetings to all. Our first luncheon of the year took place at McInnis Golf Center and was our first at that venue. Erick

Jensen and his staff did a marvelous job, insuring that we had a good experience. Many thanks to Russ Flaum for finaliz-

ing the contract with McInnis. Thanks also to Russ for once again producing a very attractive roster book. I hope every-

one received their copy at the luncheon.

You may wonder how you can get more from your SIR experience. I suggest that you consider joining one or more of the

many activities associated with our branch. Committee chairmen are always ready to assist you. Our teams such as bowl-

ing are open to new members, and golf, tennis and hiking groups will welcome new members. Some activities, such as

hiking and bocce, encourage participation of spouses and guests. We may add additional activity groups if we can identi-

fy sufficient member interest. See Doug Twitchell for an activity preference card, if you have not filled one out recently.

Throughout the year, Branch 47 has social events at which spouses and guests are welcome. One such event is fast upon

us. This is the Italian “fiesta”, which has replaced the crab feed. The event will be held at Il Davide Restaurant in San Ra-

fael on Wednesday, February 10th. Many thanks to Sam Parke for making all the arrangements. Organizing these events

always takes a lot of time and perseverance, so that all of us can have a great time. Join the festivities; it is only $39.00/pp.

and will be a lot of fun. If you have not yet signed up, please contact Sam Parke at 415-435-4279 or

samparke@comcast.net by February 5th.

Did you know? We have an e-mail address: sirbranch47@gmail.com and a dedicated phone: 415-881-7477. Please use

either of them if you are bringing a guest or visitor, or if you will miss the luncheon. Also, you may use it to select the

alternative entrée. YOUR CALL MATTERS.

Reminder. Your 2016 dues of $35.00 are due on January 1st and delinquent on January 31st. If you have not paid, please

pay Paul Schofield at our February 23rd luncheon or mail your payment to him at: 1149 McClelland Drive, Novato, CA

94945

Jake Solomon, Big Sir

Deadline for Submitting Material for the March Tamal Talk will be noon

February 24 Please submit your material to

Ron Kosciusko at 415 435-0650 or to

ROnkoz@sonic.net

Page 2

SONG LEADER WANTED

OH. That’s right, we have Kurt. What am I thinking?

THIS MONTH’S MENU

Salad

Chicken Toscana with penne pomodoro

Alternative: Grilled Salmon with rice and vegetables

Rolls, butter and dessert

NO DECEMBER SPEAKER REVIEW _______________________________________________________

THE GOLDEN GATE COMPUTER SOCIETY

SCHOOL PROJECT IS ONCE AGAIN ACCEPTING CONTRIBU-

TIONS FOR SCHOOLS.

IF YOU HAVE EQUIPMENT,I.E DESKTOPS, LAPTOPS, MONI-

TORS, KEYBOARDS, MICE OR OTHER

COMPUTER OR NETWORK ITEMS, PLEASE

DONATE THEM TO THE PROJECT.

WE WIPE HARD DRIVES AS A MATTER OF

POLICY AND DONATE ALL EQUIPMENT TO SCHOOLS AT NO

CHARGE.

Call Ron Kosciusko at 415 435-0650 for instructions and

where to drop off the equipment.

I am searching for filler here folks because we don’t

have a book review.

I would put jokes in this space but I can’t remember any.

Ron

Sir Branch 47 Italian Fiesta

(Replaces Crab Feed this year)

February 10, 2016

Il Davide’s Lucca Room (901 A Street Social Hour at 11 (Tomato Bruschetta and Rare Red & Stonecap Chardonnay $7 a glass) Sit down lunch at 12 First Course: Insalata Davide (organic greens, toasted walnuts, golden raisins, feta cheese, balsamic dressing) Second Course...choice of: Pollo Carcofi (Mary’s organic chicken breast, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, capers, lemon wine sauce), Capesante al Tartufo (sautéed sea scallops in a black truffle sauce with shiitake mushrooms & white truffle salt), Fettuccine Rustica (fettuccine with olive oil, garlic,dried tomatoes, spinach, kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, feta, E.V.O.O VEGETARIAN) Bread, butter, coffee and tea Dessert: Vanilla Panna Cotta

$39 per person Please purchase tickets from Sam Parke at our lunch on Tuesday, January 26th (McGinnis Golf Club)…or Email...Sam Parke@comcast .net or Call 1-415, 435, 4279 Note, Please park in the San Rafael A Street Garage

between 3rd and 4th Avenues (only 50 cents per hour and right next to the restaurant) Sam Parke

Our speakers for February will be Judith Kramer,

Executive Director and David McConnell.

They are from Experience Corps. which is a nonprofit

that works with children 8-12 that need help in a num-

ber of areas and are generally from single-parent

families.

Little SIR

Tim Leveque

The Executive Committee minutes on page 3 per-

tains.

Paul Bell and Ron Kosciusko are in the process of redesign-

ing the Branch 47 WEB page. A committee was formed

with Jake Solomon, Ron Kosciusko, Ned Lawrence, Bill

Donnelly and Paul Bell. Ron mentioned that this was the first

time in 4 years that anyone had suggested any changes or

additions to the website.

Paul and I would like to add, if the membership has any in-

put or category, the design committee and I would be most

appreciative.

Page 3

Branch 47 Outings

Executive Committee Meeting, Highlights

January 25, 2016

1.Treasurers ‘Report

General Fund $10,772.35

Expenditures 825.12

Net Inflow 9, 947.23

Custodial Fund was “zeroed out” at end of Calendar 2015 per

state request. The state has requested that forms 27 and 28

match in terms of number of branch members.

Doug Twitchell and Paul Schofield agreed on procedures to

follow going forward.

2. It was voted on and approved to charge $26.00 for lunch at

McInnis.

3. Big Sir Report Our stated goal from state Sirs is to “grow

the branch” although Net 1 is probably not a high enough bar.

Dues of $35 will be collected at January 26 luncheon.

4. Little Sir Report January 26 speaker will be daughter of

Bataan death march survivor. She is also in the process of set-

ting up a museum for this theme.

5. New Business Doug Twitchell discussed the summary of

Branch 47 activities as taken from form 27. Our branch has 12

activities with bocce, hiking and great books couple events.

6. Old Business Bill Donnelly described the direct mail proce-

dure that will be mailed to each member in the next few days.

He urged all members to provide their full cooperation in order

to add new members. Business cards are being printed and will

be distributed when ready.

7. Ron Kosciusko and Paul Bell presented the Branch 47 web

page on an overhead projector. It was discussed that the web-

site needed to be oriented more towards recruitment of young-

er prospects and not specifically towards serving the current

membership. Ron and Paul took notes on the suggestions from

the group and will provide the BEC with a prototype website

so the process can evolve over time. A committee was formed

with Jake Solomon, Ron Kosciusko, Ned Lawrence, Bill Don-

nelly and Paul Bell. Ron mentioned that this was the first time

in 4 years that anyone had suggested any changes or additions

to the website.

8. Next Executive Meeting will be February 22 at hanger 5.

9. Meeting adjourned at 12:45

Ned Lawrence

Secretary

1. Weill Hall Green Music Center, Sonoma State University. This is a series of great performanc-es on the week ends. Next Performances are: Sat. Feb 6 @ 7:30 pm, Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton; Fri. Feb.12 @ 7:30 pm, Cameron Carpen-ter featuring the international touring organ; Sun Feb 14 @ 3:00 pm, Philharmonia Baroque Orches-tra with Mezzo-soprano, Susan Graham; Fri. Feb. 19 @ 7:30 pm,The King’s Singers “Postcards”; Fri. Feb 26 @ 7:30 pm, The Band of the Royal Mari-ners, featuring the pipes, drums & highland dancers of the Scots Guard; Sat. Feb 27 @ 7:30 pm Paddy Moloney & the Chieftains. Tickets start @ $35; the Chieftains start @ $55.To learn more or order tickets

go online @ c.sonoma.com, or call 1-866-955-6040. 2. Marin Jazz Group regularly performs at The May-flower Inn, 1533 4th Street, San Rafael, (415) 456-1011, on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month from 7:30 – 9:30 pm. No cover, no minimum and.features a full license, a wide selection of beers and great pub food! On January 27th, special guest will be Si Perkoff, and our own Wayne Colyer plays as well. www,JDJAZZGROUP.com .

3. Novato Theater Company: a. Jan. 29 – Feb 21. This (Cajun) Midsummer Night’s Dream is an hilarious adaptation of Shake-speare's comedy in a Bayou Setting. b. Mar. 25 – Apr 17 4000 miles. Having biked 4,000 miles from Seattle to New York. This 21 yr. old young man holes up with his 91 yr. old grand-mother in Greenwich village. For tickets contact con-tact novatotheatercompany.org

4. Ross Valley Players: a. Jan. 15 – Feb. 7 The Diary of Anne Frank

b. Feb 19 – Mar 6 Arches, Balance and light (World Premiere) For tickets contact rossvalleyplayers.com or call 1-415-456-9555 Ex 1

5. Private Docent Tour of the Railroad Ferry Mu-seum in Tiburon on a week day in Feb or March for Br 47 members, spouses & friends. Please reply to “heilmanfour@comcast.net” if interest-ed. AND indicate if you would like to go to lunch that

day as well. We will then set up a date.

Cheers

Kurt Heilman

TRAVEL

Feb 12-Mar 2, 2016: Australia & New Zea-land Cruise. Start in Sydney with a tour then board the MV Sydney for a bay cruise and a 2 night stay at the Rydges World Square Ho-tel. Next you will board the Diamond Princess with stops in Melbourne, Hobart, and stops in New Zealand. Trip includes air, transfers, all shipboard meals, 2 cocktail parties, and all port taxes and government fees. Also includ-ed is Trip Insurance covering pre-existing medical conditions. Cost $6085 to $7315 de-pending on cabin. Larry Martinson, Br 114, San Jose, 408-528-0746 or Jim Stoner 408-238-8458. Mar 10-16 ,2016: Azaleas, Plantations & Cajuns. Experience the hospitality and charm of the south through educational tours of Natchez, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and New Orleans. See spring in full bloom with the sur-rounding flowers at historic sites and planta-tions. 3 nights Baton Rouge & 3 nights New Orleans 7 day, 13 meals from $2105 Bruce Bentley, Santa Cruz, Br 20, 831-465-6590 Mar 12-31, 2016: South America Cruise. I8 day cruise starting in Santiago, Chile where you will board the Star Princess for a long cruise of South and Central America ending in Los Angeles. Costs of $3660 to $5260 de-pending on cabin selection include home pickup, transfers, meals and entertainment aboard ship, all departure and port taxes, all driver and porter gratuities. Rollo Parsons, Br 141, San Jose, 408-268-5245 or Brian Serpa, 408-227-7658. Mar 25-Apr 10, 2016: Big Band Voyage Across the Atlantic Ocean. 16 day all inclu-sive cruise across the Atlantic on the Crystal Symphony. Relish the blissful luxury of days at sea, highlighted by visits to Bermuda, the Azores, Barcelona,, Bandol, and Monte Car-lo. Cost from $3665. Ken Richter, Br.146, Walnut Creek, 925-689-6217.

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

Season Completed for this year.

Tom Brady, 897-8573

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 First Monday of each month; no cost to play. Lunch @ 11:45 am (the lunch location varies but is near Sonoma Square), then Bocce @ 1pm at Depot Park, just north of Sonoma Square. Bring your own Bocce balls. Contact: Kurt Heilman 892-2460 or heilmanfour@ comcast.net to let him know if you want (1) to be on the mailing list & (2) to join us for lunch, play bocce or both.

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

Page 44

JANUARY ATTENDANCE REPORT

Total Members 104

Members Present 83 81%

Guests: 2

Visitors: 0

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

COMPUSIRS

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

PERSONAL COMPUTERS (PC only) 1st WEDNESDAYS

DIGITAL CAMERA STUFF 3rd Wednesdays

Russ Flaum 415-897-1017 WEBSITE DESIGN SIG

3rd Tuesdays Paul Bell sfpaulsf@gmail.com

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

GGCS COMPUSIRS classroom First Presbyterian Church Fifth Avenue, San Rafael

All are welcome. Open to all of Area 6.

SIR’S GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP

“Reading Maketh The Full Man” We meet in Hangar 5, Hamilton Field, Suite 200, Marin

Community Foundation; February 25, 2016:

Ethan Brand, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, pages

79-96 in Great Conversations 5. Our discus-

sion leader is Dave Paoli.

.Dick Locke, Chair, Howard Bassett, Emeritus Chair; Al

Crozier & Dan McGreevy, Ass’t Chairs, Jim Rohde,

email master, Don Pierce, Google man.

INVESTORS LUNCH BUNCH

Second Friday of the month at the Chevy’s

Restaurant, 123 Vintage Way, Vintage Oaks,

Novato. The Lunch is $18.00, and will start at

11:30, followed by presentations and discussions.

Contacts:

Pete Petrofsky 415-472-0985, Will Kaefer 415-927-1043,

Brian Stompe 415-897-1610

Page 5

BRIDGE GROUP

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

member’s home. Play is from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. To reserve space

and get directions for the next event, call or email

Charles Caviness: 415 435-9618

c.caviness@sbglobal.net

THURSDAY WALKING/HIKING GROUP

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

2nd week each month: Jim Hancock (Br.151) 415-492-0883

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

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, @

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Summary: Actives - 104 Inactives - 7 Gains: 0 0 Losses: 0 0

PERFECT ATTENDANCE 2015

??

JANUARY LUNCH TICKET WINNER

Tom Culhane JANUARY BIRTHDAY WINNERS

Chuck Herbert and Norbert Winter

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY BOYS

2nd, Charley Wynn, 3rd John Rouch,

7th Marshall Gross, 12th John Ciardelli, 14th Al Anderson, 21st Laszio Folk,

28th Hans Schmid

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

FIRST CLASS

Wednesday Feb 3 Personal Computers Class Monday Feb 1 Bocce Monday Feb 1 Golf Wednesday Feb 3 Tennis Thursday Feb 4 Walking Group Friday Feb 5 Bowling Friday Feb 12 Investors’ Lunch Bunch Monday Feb 8 Golf Tuesday Feb 9 Rolling Roamers Wednesday Feb 10 Tennis Thursday Feb 11 Walking Group Thursday Feb 25 Great Books Friday Feb 12 Bowling Monday Feb 15 Golf Wednesday Feb 17 Tennis Wednesday Feb 17 Digital Camera Stuff Thursday Feb 18 Bridge Thursday Feb 18 Walking Group Friday Feb 19 Bowling Monday Feb 22 Golf Monday Feb 22 Executive Board Mtg Tuesday Feb 23 Lunch Wednesday Feb 24 Tamal Talk Deadline for March Wednesday Feb 24 Tennis Thursday Feb 25 Walking Group Friday Feb 26 Bowling Monday Feb 29 Golf

If undeliverable Return to Sender

Place First

Class

Postage

Here

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will meet

Monday, February 22, 2016. 10:30 AM at the

Marin Community Foundation, Suite 200

Hangar 5, Hamilton, Novato