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 -- Paul Bell 415-456-5219 Little Sir-- Jim Norton- 415-491-0816

Secretary - Ned Lawrence - 415-595-1092 Ass’t Sect’y - Charles Stedwell–415-299-1498 Treasurer - Paul Schofield - 415-892-7019

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

A SIR PUBLICATION

MARIN COUNTY JANUARY 2018 VOL. XLIII NO. 01 OUR 44TH 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: Bob Wilson Tim Leveque 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 - Sandy Grieves

www.SIR47.ORG Our own website

Seasons Greetings fellow SIRs. I am hoping that you had a healthy and happy holiday season. 2017 was another good year for our branch thanks to hard work and dedication. There are a lot of thank yous to pass around but I want to specifically thank our board of directors and officers. In addition, I would like to single out 3 members for their outstanding dedication and support. One of these members is Kurt Heilman who continues to do a spectac-ular job in arranging and overseeing our events. Another of these members is Russ Flaum who, among other things, puts in a tremendous amount of effort with our annual roster. Further-more, Ron Kosciusko does a fabulous job producing our monthly newsletter. Let's make 2018 another phenomenal year for our branch.

Paul Bell Big Sir

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January 23 Lunch Menu

Salad Pot Roast with mashed potatoes and vegetables

Alternative: Grilled Chicken breast with potatoes and vegetables

Rolls and butter Dessert

Lunch Fees up $1 to $28

January 23rd Luncheon Speaker

DR. Mark Schillinger

Founder and Director of Marin Based Non Profit "Young Men's Ultimate Weekend" He will speak on mentoring young men in today's challenging culture.

-Jim Norton Little Sir

NOVEMBER 2017 SPEAKER REVIEW Of Brian Sobel's The Fighting Pattons

You could get away with saying that the Patton family's main business was war. Members of it served in both the U.S. Army and the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and George S. Patton III (the one Brian Sobel focuses on in his book) served in both World Wars I and II as well as the Battle of San Migue-lito during the Mexican Revolution in 1916. This was, inci-dentally, America's first military action which used motor vehi-cles. So you can see that there's a lot to know and tell about General George Patton (1885-1945). His son, Major General George S. Patton IV, is almost unknown compared to his fa-ther but was involved in Korea and Viet Nam. Sobel's interest in the Pattons goes back over twenty years and, for us, says Sobel, "the story is really about 79 years of service to America." And it's also about World War II. A list of Patton's commands and battles would fill a page. Add to that the 1970 movie about Patton, and we have a folk hero or as Sobel says, "a household word." Scott read 8 or 10 books about Patton after being approached by a Hollywood produc-er for the role. According to Sobel, Scott rejected the first script (written by Francis Coppola!) because it "made the Gen-eral one dimensional." After 6 or 7 rewrites, the script is fixed, Scott "does it his way," and the movie becomes a "phenom." As a matter of fact, Patton had a rather high-pitched voice and was dislexic. Nixon loved the movie, says Sobel, almost as an aside. We needed heroes during World War II, and Patton had the skills and the persona. He always led from the front and in-spired his troops with rousing speeches full of vulgarity. "His strong emphasis on rapid and aggressive offensive action proved effective" (Wikipedia). According to Sobel, Patton's philosophy boiled down to "move, move, move!" and that he did with his tanks racing across France and into Germany al-ways just in time to lift the spirits of demoralized American troops. Sobel comments that , who was a "set-piece General," and Patton did not get along with British Field Marshal Mont-gomery mostly because they both had massive egos. There's no doubt that Patton was an effective warrior and tough guy, but he had a penchant for getting embroiled in controversies and making controversial public statements. On one occasion he slapped two shell-shocked soldiers and was removed temporarily from battlefield command (Wikipedia). But-- he was highly regarded by the German High Command (Wikipedia). Probably also feared. General Patton died in December 1945 from injuries suffered in an automobile accident twelve days earlier in Germany. For a time rumors circulated that his death was part of a conspira-cy, but Sobel dismisses these theories completely, saying "It was just an accident." And just for the record, the handles on Patton's pair of 45's were made of ivory, not pearl! . --Michael Kelly

Executive Board of Directors Highlights of November 27.

.Area Governor: Sandy Grieve presented a certificate to Tim

Leveque for an outstanding year as Big Sir for Branch 47. He

further commented that our branch had an excellent bank bal-

ance especially compared to some other branches. Tim com-

mented that Sandy was Treasurer of the Richardson Bay

Yacht Club but was the only member who actually owned a

boat.

Big Sir Report: Alan Thomas and Joel Toste will play before

the November 28 lunch meeting and will receive a free lunch.

New member, Ron Nelson, was approved by the board. His

sponsor is Bob Gloistein. Russ Flaum announced that the 2018

Roster Book was just about ready to print. Four members have

not had their picture taken and this will be taken care of before

printing. Branch 47 will print 130 copies in Black and White.

The pdf version sent to all the members with email addresses

will show the member’s photographs in color. New members

that join will need their photo taken by December 30 in order to

have their name in the 2018 version.

Treasurer’s Report: Our checking account has a balance of

$10,399.63. 107 members paid dues for 2017. Due to free

lunches and birthday wine, our deficit for lunches is $1,265.

Committee Reports: Harold Lichterman is very ill and mem-

bers who know him should consider sending a card as he prefers

not to have visitors. The hiking group continues to be active and

all members and spouses are encouraged to join their hikes.

New Business: The next joint board meeting will be January 8

and the 2018 board will be held on January 22.

Ned Lawerence, Secretary

TRAVEL

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.

Mar 4-8, 2018: Giants Spring Training. 5- day trip to

Scottsdale to see three MBL Cactus league games.

Reserved seats, R/T air for SFO, Accommodations at

the Hilton Garden Inn including breakfast. Hosted din-

ner at Talking Stick Resort/Casino and more for only

$1445.00pp. Contact Derlin German, Br. 58, Petaluma,

707-763-6162

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

2018 NCGA dues are due. You can send a check to Tom at 149 Wild Horse Valley Road, Novato, CA,

94947-3655

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

Contact Jack Friesen <friesenjack@aol.com>

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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NOVEMBER ATTENDANCE REPORT

Total Members 104

Members Present 84 81%

Guests: 1

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

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 - 104 Inactives - 6 Gains: 0 0 Losses: 0 0

PERFECT ATTENDANCE 2017

Erik Boditker, Jacenk Brandon, Russell Flaum, Bob Gonzalez, Kurt Heilmann, Mike Kelly,

Peter Kerner, Carlos Martin, George Miller, George Pikkarainen, Terry Scott, See Tom

NOVEMBER LUNCH TICKET WINNER

Marshall Gross

JANUARY BIRTHDAY BOYS

20th Ken Griffin, 20th Mike Kelly, 22nd Chris Salak, 23rd Cecil Greene, 23rd Ron McGinnis,

28th Norbert Winter, 29th Jim Breitmayer

Page 5

(Outings continued) 7. Fresh Starts Chef Events @ Homeward Bound. Fine din-

ners cooked @ Homeward bound in Novato by renowned

local Chefs. Most dinners are on Thursdays and start @ 6:30

pm . The last dinner (until fall 2018) is with Joanne Weir on

Thursday Jan. 18, 2018. The cost is generally around $60

pp. Make your own reservations @ 415-382-3363 ex.243.

8. Marin Onstage at the Belrose Theatre in San Rafael.

Feb.16 & 17, 2018 Sol Flamenco (Joelle Goncalves & compa-

ny). 7:30 pm wine & Tapa's with music, song & dancing @

8:00 pm. For $25 tickets contact 415-298-1433.

Cheers, Kurt Heilman

1-415-892-2460

BRANCH 47 OUTINGS

1. A unique opportunity suggested by Bob Gonzalez that I highly recommend. Enjoy Vintage Music and tour the lovely Victorian Home of Richard Reutlinger in San Francisco. Con-certs are on specific Sat & Sun afternoons @ 2 pm (doors open @ 1:30 pm so you can tour the old Victorian before the con-cert.). Monica & Kurt attended the April 1, 2017 Mimi Blais concert AND thoroughly enjoyed the experience. * Jan 13 &14 Sonny Leyland * Feb. 17 &18 Mimi Blais * Mar 10 & 11 Ivory & Gold 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 Fran-cisco, CA 94117. Free champagne and snacks are served dur-ing intermission as you enjoy Richard's fine collection of me-chanical musical instruments. Be sure to mention which day you wish to attend and buy your tickets early to guarantee seating. 2. Pacific Empire Chorus PEC), a Sweet Adelines Chorus, pre-sents an all-you-con-eat Crab Feast. It will take place on Sat. January 27, 2018 at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Build-ing in Petaluma. Details to be determined, but generally goes from 5 – 9 PM with great singing during the Crab Feast. the Petaluma Veterans Building. Details to follow later. 3. Cinnabar Theater: 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma suggested by Al Anderson. Contact centerstagetick-eting.com or 707-763-8920. Next music venues: Suggested by Al Anderson. Dec 15 – Jan 14 "My Way" a musical tribute to Frank Sina-tra.$35 pp in advance for seniors. 4. Ross Valley Players: Jan 18 – Feb 11 The Childrens Hour. Showcasing the destruc-tive power of lies, the play depicts the experiences of the the head mistress of a girl's boarding school.For tickets contact rossvalleyplayers.com or call 1-415-456-9555 Ex 1. 5.. Marin Theatre Company: Jan 25 – Feb. 18, 2018 "Skelton Crew". The third of Dominique Morisseau's Detroit cycle trilo-gy. At the start of the Great Recession, one of the last auto stamping plants in Detroit is on shaky ground and workers have to decide whatto do with their futures. 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

6. 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 de-pending upon performances. The next performances are: Jan 12 Chanticleer, an orchestra of voices, Jan 18 Marc Cohn 25th Anniversary Show, Jan 26 Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Feb. 2

Nikolaj Znaider on violin & Robert Kuler on Piano... (continued)

SIR Br 47 Chinese New Year's Celebration @ 11:30 am on Tues Feb 13, 2018 at

Yet Wah restaurant, 1238 Fourth St., San Rafael

This is our first party in 2018 to kick off the Year of the

Dog. < The name of 2018 is the Yang Male Earth Dog.

Brown is connected to Earth. Therefore, 2018 is also called

Brown Earth Dog Year. > This will be a sit down Chinese

banquet. The menu includes: CHICKEN CORN

SOUP, MINCED CHICKEN LUTTUCE WRAP, SWEET AND

SOUR PORK, MONGOLIAN BEEF WITH BROCCOLI, LEMON

CHICKEN, WALNUT PRAWN, MU SHU PORK, B & B PORK

FRIED RICE, DESSERT, WHITE OR BROWN RICE. There will

be plenty of food to eat and to take home.

Cost is $28 / person. Please invite spouses and other

guests to help us celebrate the New Year. Tickets are

on sale at the Br 47 January 23, 2018 luncheon. Res-

ervations required. Or contact See Tom @ 415-388-

5819 or seestom@gmail.com. One hour free parking

validated by the restaurant. The deadline for making

both reservations and payment is Friday Feb.9, 2018

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

Monday Jan 1 New Years Day Monday Jan 1 Bocce Monday Jan 1 9 Hole Golf (Maybe) Wednesday Jan 3 Tennis Thursday Jan 4 Walking Group Friday Jan` 5 Bowling Monday Jan 8 9 Hole Golf Tuesday Jan 9 Rolling Roamers Tuesday Jan 9 Fishing Wednesday Jan 10 Tennis Thursday Jan 11 Walking Group Friday Jan 12 Bowling Friday Jan 12 Investors’ Lunch Bunch Monday Jan 15 9 Hole Golf Wednesday Jan 17 Advanced Digital Camera Wednesday Jan 17 Tennis Thursday Jan 18 Bridge Friday Jan 18 WalkingGroup Friday Jan 19 Bowling Monday Jan 22 Nine Hole Golf Tuesday Jan 23 Branch 47 Luncheon Wednesday Jan 24 Tennis Thursday Jan 25 Walking Group Thursday Jan 25 TamalTalk Deadline for Feb Friday Jan 26 Bowling Monday Jan 29 Nine Hole Golf

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will meet

Monday, January 8, 2018. 10:30 AM at the

McGinnis Park Golf Club Boardroom

350 Smith Ranch Road

San Rafael, CA 94903

BRANCH 47 LUNCHEON MEETINGS IN 2018

Fourth Tuesday Of The Month January 23 (Tuesday) July 24 (Tuesday) February 27 (Tuesday) August 28 (Tuesday) March 27 (Tuesday) September 25 (Tuesday) April 22 (Tuesday) October 23 (Tuesday)

May 22 (Tuesday) November 27 (Tuesday) June 26 (Tuesday)

DATES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING The Monday preceding the Fourth Tuesday

Branch 47 Luncheon Meeting

Jan. 8 Jan. 23 July 24 Feb. 27 Aug. 21 Mar. 27 Sept. 25 Apr. 24 Oct. 23 May 22 Nov. 27

June 26 Jan. 8 2018