1

THE VALLEY SUNRISE NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Award Winning Newsletter 2010-2013 & The Cliff Dochterman “Spirit of Rotary Award” 2014-2015

Will the Mystery President Please Stand Up!

And lo and behold, there’s Bob Sundberg behind the dais. He clanged the clangor

at 7:10 a.m., and we were off. Jim Swanson led us in the Pledge, followed by

Richard Lueck who had a very thoughtful “Thought for the Day.”

STAFF Joan D’Onofrio: Editor/Designer Mureleen Benton: Reporter Clayton Worsdell: Photographer

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS K.R. Ravindran: President Ken Courville: District Governor Tina Akins: Asst. District Governor BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dave Kemnitz: President Maryann Carroll-Moser: Pres. Elect Chris Krnich: Treasurer Fred Nelson: Secretary Tommy Wolf: Sgt-at-Arms Irene Davids-Blair: Charitable Fund Anthony Aranda: Vocational Services Monica Fraga: New Generations Ken Nishimori: Foundation Bob Huck: Community Services Joan D’Onofrio: Membership Clayton Worsdell: International Julia Aguilar: Club Services

CONTENTS Thought of the Day 4-Way Test Guests Milestones Club Announcements / News Happy (Grumpy) Bucks Service Above Self Mystery Greeter Presentations Marble Draw Getting to Know Us Comedy Corner The Gallery

© 2015 The Valley Sunrise

2

The Pledge of Allegiance

Thought of the Day

Right from the moment of our birth, we are under the care and kindness

of our parents. Later, when we are sick and old, we are again dependent

on the kindness of others. Since we are so dependent on others at the

beginning and the end of our lives, how could it be that we would neglect

kindness towards others in the middle?

—Dalai Lama

The 4-Way Test

And now it’s time for “The 4 Way Test.” So Monica Fragga stepped forward and tried her hand at it.

“Monica, just a hint: It’s--Is it, Is it, Will it, Will it. Got it?”

Mystery Greeter

The Mystery Greeter was invited to SIT while the rest of us stood and guess who sat down. You

guessed it, our very wonderful editor/designer of the newsletter, Joan D’Onofrio. Then

(FINALLY) everyone who greeted Joan was told to sit down. That left two standing. They paid

their bucks and sat down, thereby adding $2 to our treasury. All in a day’s work!

3

Guests Interactors, Lynette, Melissa, Reid, exchange student Sophie from Switzerland and her “sister” while she’s in the States. All atttend the Clayton Valley Charter High School.

,

Dr. Michael Barrington, our speaker and Past President John Carl of the Concord Rotary Club

4

Acts of Kindness

An Act of Kindness was reported

by Don Ouimet who recently took

two people to Nation’s for

breakfast. He has seen them

hanging around his neighborhood.

So, the moral of the story is, if

you’d like a free breakfast at

Nation’s, go to the intersection of

Thornwood and Bailey Rd. and

look hungry. Then, when you see

Don, smile and wave, and you too

will eat free for a morning.

Not to be outdone, Miles Bell

tried to slide in an Act of Kindness

(AOK) about having to play golf in the rain on Monday with an 8 a.m. start time. Some of us missed the AOK part to this

story. I personally think he tried to sneak in a Happy Buck without paying the buck by mixing it up with an AOK excuse.

Club Announcements / News Bob

B

Bob Huck passed around the signup seet for the

Home Team Nov. 21st. We need your help. He

also reminded us that the upcoming Thanksgiving

holiday could use our help to provide 10-14 lb.

turkeys to the Salvation Army. Please bring these

frozen birds to the meeting on Nov. 19.

Sit-in Past President Bob Sundberg reminded us

of the upcoming dinner with RI President on Jan.

3rd

. We still have room for you at that table of 10.

Please see Dave Kemnitz for this occasion.

Bill Fuller spent some time with Torsten

Jacobsen recently and heard about

Torsten’s childhood. Bill would like

Anthony to get more of our members to be

speakers and share some of their very

interesting stories. We are a diverse group

and have some very interesting members,

or should I say, colorful pasts.

Jeff Rondini has a signup sheet for

poinsettias with the proceeds to go to the

Music Boosters at CVCHS. These 6 inch

plants are only $10. See Jeff for some

splendid color to your Xmas décor.

5

Milestones

Anniversaries Eric Rehn, Vice President of the Kenney

Wilson Brokerage Group, served as our

Club’s Vocational Chairman, and this is his

third year of membership. Tommy Wolf announced that today (yes, the

actual day is today) he and Vanessa have

been together for five years and consider it

their 5-year anniversary.

Happy (Grumpy) Bucks

Happy Bucks (Grumpy Bucks) Were Flowing This Morning

Irene Davids-Blair gave three happy bucks—all sports related. One was for the Raiders Football team, one

for the South African Springbok National Rugby team that made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, and one

for the Warriors Basketball team.

Monica Fragga was happy she survived the hurricane in Puerto Vallarta, and now she’s headed to the

Dominican Republic. That girl certainly gets around. She is also looking for a gardener, so if you know of one,

please let Monica know. She also promised to pay up for a combination of club anniversary, birthday and

wedding anniversary – sometime when she returns from her many trips.

Maryann Carroll-Moser spent a very warm weekend in Disneyland and was also thankful she was ahead of

the accident that happened (I guess) on the Grapevine.

Richard Lueck had a grumpy buck (GB) because his daughter who had worked for a very large banking

institution that used to be headquartered in San Francisco, but is now headquartered in North Carolina. She was

laid off after 20+ years with that benevolent institution. Seems they are looking at employees over the age of

40, because they earn the BIG bucks. She recently spent a good amount of time training people in India to do

her job, so this institution could then pay them much less and get rid of her. When you hear about the legal

document she had to sign, sort of makes you wonder where our values are headed. Sure wouldn’t pass

“The 4 Way Test.”

6

Congratulations to Our Brainiac’s

Chris Ruzicka announced that our two Interactors, sisters Melissa and Lynette Cox, are making the local news

because they are now National Merit Scholars. Great job, girls.

Fred Nelson was happy that Lois’s recent cataract surgery went well, and he was also thankful for our missing

plumber, Frank Westphall, for doing some plumbing work at his home. (Sidebar – I recently heard that

because we are flushing less, this tends to sort of plug things up in the drain pipes a bit, so you might want to

remember this as we are so busy conserving water and paying plumbers.)

Tommy Wolf was happy he caught the Country Music Awards last night on TV.

John Wolfe (that’s Wolf with an “e”) is happy about going to Minnesota for his granddaughter’s THIRD

birthday. “I could swear she was just born a few months ago,” he said.

7

Don Ouimet had 34 circled on his Blackberry and couldn’t figure out what that meant. Then Bea reminded

him of the great occasion occurring on THIS very day: 34-years sober. Congrats Don. We’re proud of you.

Another miracle!

Guest Michael Barrington said he recently played a round of golf and for the first time ever got a 71.

Steve Weir said if you get up a bit early, you can peak outside and see 3 planets lined up near the moon. If you

look down, you will see four! He also recently heard David McCullough speak at the Lesher Theater’s

Newsmakers Speakers Series in Walnut Creek.

Torsten Jacobsen thanked Bill Fuller for work he did on his carport.

Service Above Self

Torsten Jacobsen’s journey began in Seattle where he and Tineke, went to

watch their grandkids. Then they were off to San Felipe to do the marvelous

things he does there and included the “Luminaries Walk to Fight Cancer.”

The walk started about 10 years ago, but it was different this time. Here, in his

own words, is the adventure that Torsetn and Tineke experienced:

“On October 24, the local residents of the Cancer Care Center in San Felipe

initiated an expression of thanks for the Clinic and to give thought to those with

cancer past, present or deceased. Several hundred participated, and we all

walked at twilight under a full moon from the arches at the entrance of town to a

shrine by the seaside. Somehow motorcycle clubs/gangs from north and south of

the border got wind of the event and decided to "sponsor" it. They made huge

signs that read: Bikers vs Cancer, organized a seaside tribute, arranged for a classical orchestra and chorus to

arrive from Mexicali-120 miles away to entertain everyone and then donated over $4,000 to the Center.

The “ladies" all work at the cancer center, some for no pay. One of the ladies with the "special T-shirt” is Edith

who is the Mother Theresa of our Clinic. She worked for two years with no pay and did everything including

teaching the patients, giving exams, and performing Mammograms. We were able to save her potential loss

with a grant from our Foundation last year.

Regarding money, each candle-bearer paid $5, or what they could afford, that went directly to the Center. It

shows how the Center is increasingly becoming more and more self-sufficient which is what Rotary likes to see.

Over 10,000 exams and tests have been done since we started, and hundreds of women have been treated. The

group was looking at the long staircase to the stars with all the candles lit up and listening to an uplifting

speaker who said: ‘When you have been struck with cancer, be positive, brave, and upbeat, not only for your

own health but for those around you.’”

8

A pictorial treat of the “Luminaries Walk to Fight Cancer” at the Cancer Clinic courtesy of Torsten and Tineke: The name of the clinic is: Centro De Deteccion‎ Y Educacion Del Cancer. Cancer Care Center. Translation is: Screening Center and Cancer Education. ‎The T-Shirts are painted in Pink which is in reference to Breast Cancer. They also have bumper stickers that say: "Save the TA TA's" The young women pictured are the staff in the Cancer Clinic. The crowd is gathered at the Arches at the entrance to the city of San Felipe listening to the various dignitaries talk before they participated in the walk to fight cancer—specifically Breast Cancer.

9

Speaker’s Presentation

DR. MICHAEL BARRINGTON Today’s speaker, Michael Barrington, shared his new book

The Bishop Wears No Drawers with us. Michael, in his

previous life, was a Catholic priest in Africa (Nigeria to be

exact) for 10 years. His present position within Rotary is to

audit global grants, so he travels the world checking out

projects to make sure they are, in fact, doing what we hoped

they would do.

Michael said he’s spent four years writing this book and

was published in August 2015. He said he was trained for

this missionary position in the late ‘60’s. But during the

70’s and 80’s the Catholic Church was going through some

authority questions by the parishioners. He said 25

thousand priests have left the church to get married. Also, there used to be 180thousand nuns and in 2014, there are now

only 50thousand, half of which are over the age of 68.

His training was specifically tailored for a missionary job in Africa. He was sent to Nigeria just a few months after a civil

war had broken out. It was an extremely dangerous time. The government tried starving the people into submission and

because of this 5 million children died of starvation. There was an embargo along the coast of Nigeria and the

government wouldn’t allow food to be distributed. Finally, the Red Cross arrived, and the churches were open for relief

efforts.

He shared some stories about Big Frank, the bishop in the area he served. He had some very interesting and fun stories

that you can read about in his book. Nigeria has 600 languages and this certainly causes many problems in trying to

resolve situations this country has. Not only do they have communication problems, but there are also many different

cultures with all the tribes that live there.

The Gift for Our Library As is our custom, Michael was presented with a book

titled Where on Earth which he signed and will be

donated to the Clayton Library.

Our speaker’s book signing. Perfect selection.

10

Marble Draw

Marble draw was won by John Wolfe who pulled a yellow ball that entitled him to another draw. Unfortunately, he

walked away with just a bottle of wine.

Don’t Forget the Good Deed Box

Write down your good deeds and put them in Governor Ken’s box that sits on top of the Dais.

DONATION CARS FOR SALE 1973 Melex Golf Cart: batteries charge up, drives great.$ 595.00. Mary says must Go today!

1987 Cadillac Deville: one owner, only 115k miles, smog present, runs good $2,895.00

1999 Acura Integra GS: 5speed, 150k miles, 2-door, smog present, new catalytic converter

$3,395.00. Bring offers.

1967 Cadillac Sedan Deville: $5,995.00. Bring all offers. Mary Says must go Today!

1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 255k miles, all records, runs great, smog present 4wd, new Michelins $2,995.00

2001 GMC Conversion Truck (air Bag suspension): 112k miles, new price $6,995.00 bring offers

2004 Acura RL: 150k miles, all bells and whistles, smog present $3,495.00

AUCTION ITEMS 1999 Isuzu: 4wd, needs everything! $2,000

2003 Dodge Caravan: needs everything,

1970 Ford F250: needs everything

2001 Audi: needs everything

2000 Ford Expedition: 4WD, 188k miles, mechanic special, smog present $995.00

The Agenda November 12: Regular Meeting at Oakhurst Country Club. Speaker is Debbie Smith November 17: FOOD BANK November 19: Regular Meeting at Oakhurst Country Club [Speaker to be announced] November 21: HOME TEAM November 24: FOOD BANK November 26: NO MEETING Happy Thanksgiving

11

Getting to Know Us. Barbara Reifschneider

Barbara Reifschneider is a Paul Harris Fellow and was our 2009-2010

President. Here are her answers to this week’s Proust Questionnaire.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I don’t know, I’m still waiting.

What is your greatest fear? Being attacked by a bear or a Mountain Lion.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Thinking of themselves first.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Looks

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Thinking the worst of myself.

What do you most dislike about your appearance? Saggy skin.

Which living person do you most despise? My sister.

Which living person do you most admire? Anyone who comes from nothing, and makes themselves into

someone great.

What is your current state of mind? Not great, unfortunately. It’s usually like this during the holidays.

On what occasion do you lie? If I can keep from hurting someone’s feelings.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty first, sense of humor, good teeth, nice hair.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? For her not to be full of herself.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I’m hungry! Because I don’t eat a lot at one sitting.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My daughter till just recently. It changes on a daily basis.

When and where were you happiest? It must have been a long time ago, because I can’t remember.

Which talent would you most like to have? Play the piano.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My attitude about life in general.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Nothing

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? I don’t want to come back and

deal with this world again.

Where would you most like to live? In a land far away where everyone is nice to one another.

What is your most treasured possession? My flat iron. I can do without a lot of stuff.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Ongoing pain and suffering.

What is your favorite occupation? Not the one I have now.

What is your most marked characteristic? I don’t know.

What do you most value in your friends? Honesty and they should like Cadillac Margaritas.

Who are your favorite writers? I hate to read. I would have to sit still.

Who is your hero of fiction? I don’t like fiction.

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Sacagawea, you know, the Indian. I mean Native

American lady on the coin with the papoose on her back. Did I spell that correctly? Anyway she has dark hair

and so do I. Well, kind of.

Who are your heroes in real life? None, I’m on my own.

What are your favorite names? None

12

What is it that you most dislike? Dick

What is your greatest regret? Selling off all my AT&T stock in my 20s.

How would you like to die? In my sleep.

What is your motto? None

The Comedy Corner Laugh, and the world laughs with you…

FOR ALL YOU GOLFER OUT THERE

An engineer, a priest, and a doctor are trying to enjoying a round of golf.

Ahead of them is a group playing so slowly and inexpertly that in

frustration the three ask the greenkeeper for an explanation.

"That's a group of blind firefighters," they are told. "They lost their sight

saving our clubhouse last year, so we let them play for free."

The priest says, "I will say a prayer for them tonight."

The doctor says, "Let me ask my ophthalmologist colleagues if anything can be done for them."

And the engineer says, "Why can't they play at night?"

* * *

THE ADVENTURES OF LARRY A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying,

‘Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!”

After a few seconds, Little Larry stood up. The teacher said, “Do you think you're stupid, Larry?”

“No ma'am, but I hate to see you standing up there all by yourself.”

Larry watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.

'Why do you do that, mummy?' he asked.

'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.

'What's the matter asked Larry, 'Giving up?'

The math teacher saw that Larry wasn't paying attention in class.

She called on him and said, “Larry! What is 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?”

Larry quickly replied, “NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!”

13

Larry's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a

bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. Larry pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of

a wanted person. “Yes,” said the policeman. The detectives want very badly to capture him.”

Puzzled, Larry said, "Well, why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"

Little Larry attended a horse auction with his father. He watched as his father moved from horse to

horse, running his hands up and down the horse's legs and rump, and chest. After a few minutes, Larry asked,

“Dad, Why are you doing that?” His father replied, “because when I'm buying horses, I have to make sure

that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy one.”

Larry, looking worried, said, “Dad, I think the UPS guy wants to buy Mom.”

Recruiting Exam During an oral exam, a police recruit was asked what he would do if his job required him to arrest his own

mother. His response was, "Call for backup."

One Liners I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.

Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils?

I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me.

When you get a bladder infection you know urine trouble.

Broken pencils are pretty much pointless.

What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus.

I dropped out of the Communism class because of lousy Marx.

I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded the dough.

All the toilets in Clayton’s police station were stolen. It appears the police have nothing to go on.

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However,

while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and

sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to

leave the hospital. After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel

him to the elevator. On the way down, I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

“I don't know,” he said. “She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her

hospital gown.”

***

An elderly couple were guests at another couple's house, and after dinner, the wives left the table and

went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, “Last night we went out to a new

restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.”

The other man said, “What’s the name of the restaurant?”

The first man thought and thought and finally said, “What’s the name of that flower you give to someone

you love? You know the one that's red and has thorns.” “Do you mean a rose?”

“'Yes, yes, that's the one,” replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, “Rose, what's

the name of that restaurant we went to last night?”

14

The Gallery

Photograph by Clayton Worsdell

That’s All Folks