2025 Christmas Luncheon
We had a great turnout for the Christmas Luncheon at the Sons & Daughters of Italy. We did the normal induction of the 2026 Branch Executive Committee while also handing out a couple of Certificates of Recognition. Donated door prizes added to the gathering of friends and family.
Don Paulsen and Joe Beck were recognized with a Senior SIR Certificate. Members over the age of 90
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Jim McClellan was recognized as the longest serving SIR in the branch (inducted 2001). Barrie Lee was thanked for his efforts as the our Branch President in 2025.
Enjoy Magazine August 2024 feature article on Redding SIR organization.
KCNR radio interview with SIR’s Lee Lamp discussing the Enjoy Magazine article in the August 2024 edition.
Installation of Don Fox Memorial Table
(L.-R.) Bill Harris, Russ Smith, Lee Lamp and John Aubuchon were present at the Gold Hills Country Club when a table in memory of Don Fox was put in place at the golf course. The table is inscribed at the base with the SIR logo and the words: “In memory of Don Fox 1930 – 2018 — He embodied SIR, loved golf & made friends for life. — Presented by Three Shasta’s Branch 129”
The Don Fox Memorial Table was acquired with funds raised at the June auction. It is beautiful and will be welcomed by golfers who need a place to sit before and after rounds. A dedication ceremony will be scheduled in the new year.
SIR on Parade
Redding, December 7 Lighted Christmas Parade
Port side view of SIR Redding Branch 129 entry for Redding Lighted Christmas Parade, Dec. 7, 2019. After several days of steady rain, the clouds parted just in time for this event. The crowd size was quite large considering the temperature, wind and forecast of rain. Both sides of the boat sported large banners promoting our branch. These banners can be used over and over to get the SIR brand into the public eye.
Starboard view of SIR Redding, Branch 129 entry for Redding Lighted Christmas Parade 2019. Big SIR Lee Lamp decorated his truck and Little SIR Frank Galusha decorated his boat for this event. Lee drove and Frank rode in the boat.
Shasta Lake, November 9, 2019 Veteran’s Day Parade
Eric Measles, Mike Smith, Larry Andrews, Murray Blake, Chuck Cotten, Lee Lamp and Justin Clendenning manned the Shasta Lake Veteran’s Parade entry for our branch on November 7 where many on the parade route were exposed to the SIR brand.
Shasta Lake Veteran’s Parade entry.
SIR branch 129 has two banners for use in parades, at trade shows or inside and outside pop-up tents wherever men 55+ congregate.
SIR Branch 129 was well represented on November 9 at the Shasta Lake Veteran’s Day Parade. Lee Lamp brought his pickup and towed Frank Galusha’s boat, which were displaying our magnetic signs and 2×10′ banners. SIR also entered a lighted float in the Redding Christmas Parade on December 7, 2019 .
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Why this:
Instead of this: 
State SIR https://www.sirinc.org/ is in the process of repositioning our organization. Our Rooster emblem, or “logo” has been modernized and the name of our organization has been abbreviated to SIR. The words “Sons In Retirement” have been retired in favor of “Social Activities for Men.” The objective is to allow SIR to focus on men age 55 and older as opposed to just those who have retired from work. According to a Merrill-Lynch survey in 2019, most men not yet retired envision working in some capacity – often in a new field in their later years.
Our Mission is: To enhance the lives of our members through fun activities, events and luncheons while making Friends for Life. Note, the use of the word “enhance” as opposed to “improve.”
Our Vision is: To become the best active men’s organization in Northern and Central California by improving longevity through providing opportunities for physical, mental and social engagement.
Summary: We joined SIR to engage in fun activities and to Make Friends for Life. Now, in addition to that objective, SIR will also be dedicated to helping us Live Longer by keeping us physically, mentally and socially engaged.
You can help us enhance your experience and improve your life by coming to our luncheons and signing up for activities — or by suggesting new activities.
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Spreading the word about SIR
By Frank Galusha
05/19/19 – Sons In Retirement and our June 19 auction got some extra attention yesterday as we participated in the Redding Rodeo Parade.
Six SIRs, Justin Clandening, Ed Grinton, Kevin Dempsey, Dick Fyten and I, led by Little SIR Lee Lamp, passed out many SIR brochures and auction flyers to parade watchers, other participants and members of the Asphalt Cowboys as we drove or walked along besides Lee’s 2017 Ford F-250 Lariat pickup truck.
“As far as I’m concerned this was a great way to reach many in our community and share a little about the SIR story,” Lamp said in an email thanking the members who helped out.
Lee added, “For those not familiar about how these parades go there are several points along the route where announcers introduce the participants. Our script was very good, and along with the signage on the truck, I think we made a very good impression on everyone who saw us or heard the many announcers explain what we do.”
Fortunately, the rain didn’t really get started until after the parade ended. Justin drove the truck, Dick rode shotgun while golfers Kevin, Ed and Lee sprinted from side to side passing out our information. Lee pulled his golf clubs on a cart and I carried a fishing pole to emphasize our interest in recreation.
“The decision to use the truck instead of the Mercedes Convertible we drove in the Cottonwood Parade last week, panned out well due to the inclement weather,” Lee said.
There were over 200 entries in the parade, which has taken place in Redding since 1949.
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SIR Wins Trophy in Cottonwood Rodeo Parade
Sons In Retirement Trophy Winners: SIRs Bill Harris and Russell Smith and this 1999 Mercedes SKL 200 got plenty of attention at the Cottonwood Rodeo Parade on May 11. SIR will also take part in the Redding Rodeo Parade on May 18 to help spread the word about Branch 129. Report & photo courtesy of SIR Dick Fyten
05/13/19 — SIR Russell Smith entered SIR in the Cottonwood Rodeo Parade on Saturday May 11. SIR Dick Fyten got permission from Karen Fyten to drive her 1999 Mercedes SKL 230 at the event. The parade started at 10:00 a.m. Dick drove the car and SIR “Wild Bill” Harris road shotgun. As the car went by the first reviewing stand where Russell was the moderator he introduced SIR to the crowd.
Dick and Bill were accompanied by two of Russell’s neighbor kids, Michaël and Lesha. They are twins and 12 years old. They walked alongside the car handing out SIR literature to anyone who looked like they were old and retired. They did hand out quite a few brochures. In spite of Dick and Bill being in the car, the car won a trophy for the “ALL OTHER MOTORIZED VEHICLES” category.
“My wife has also given me permission to drive her Mercedes in the Redding Rodeo Parade May 18, 2019, so even more people will hear about us and, as the sign on the car explains, they will also learn that we are helping our members enjoy their retirement through a wide range of activities,” Fyten said.