What’s New and Coming Events
- SIR ProShop – Available Now for Buying SIR Branded Merchandise!
- Browse, Add to Cart, and Checkout (requires Sign Up – your email and chosen password)
- Enter “5” (our branch #) for reference code
- June Newsletter – from State SIR Rich Carlston – Just Posted!
- Register Now for 7/23 Summer BBQ Lunch
FYI: Our Summer BBQ will be on Wednesday, July 23rd. It will be a traditional 4th of July feast with entertainment and raffle prizes. This is a reservation only event. A form with all the info is above (see link) and was distributed at the Wednesday 5/23/25 meeting. Please return to Pete LoPresto at your earliest convenience.
- June 25 Mtg – Leslie Parks: Finance Consultant for Campbell – formerly Economic Development Dir. for San Jose on “How Do Cities Pay Their Bills?”
Not a Member – Join Us!
Are you a Retired guy? Do you enjoy fun activities with others and good fellowship?
Does your wife mention “you should get out more”? Want to make friends for life?
You should join us in Branch 5 SIR!
What is SIR? – Video #1
MISSION: “to enrich the lives of its members through fun activities, luncheons and events while making friends for life!”
SIR is for Retired or Semi-Retired men regardless of age, race, national origin or religion.
Welcome to SIR – Video #2
About Branch 5
- LOCATION: Serves Southern Peninsula (San Jose, Campbell, Mtn View, Saratoga, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino). Some of our members come from Morgan Hill, So. SF, San Bruno, Burlingame, San Carlos
- LUNCHEON MEETINGS: Branch 5 meets the 4th Wednesday each month at 11AM for a Luncheon and Presentation at Michaels at Shoreline, 2960 No. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View CA 94043
- GUEST SPEAKERS: Luncheons usually include Guest Speakers who give fascinating Presentations – See below for 2024 Presentations and Speakers
- DUES: Branch 5 collects $40/person up front (cash or check) at each Luncheon to pay for food and operational costs. The lunches are delicious! Annual dues are $50/person.
- WHO CAN ATTEND LUNCHEONS: Members, Wives and significant others are welcome at all our meeting and events!
- SPECIAL EVENTS: Branch 5 also has a Summer Barbeque event (e.g. July 24, 2024) and a Holiday Party (tentatively Wednesday, December 4)
- ACTIVITIES: (beyond the Luncheons) include:
- Golf with Branch 16, Each Thursday, Contact Phil Yurtis, 650 508 9651, Send Email
- Bocce with Branch 35, Each Friday morning, Contact Carl Orta, 650 868 5221, Send Email
Contact Us!
2025 Planned Meeting Dates & Luncheon Presentations – Calendar
| Month | Presentation | Presenter |
| January 22 |
John Hansen – Branch5 Webmaster John Whittier – Branch5 Assistant Secretary – Membership |
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| February 26 |
John Hansen – Branch5 Webmaster Artie Green – Financial Advisor with Cognizant Wealth Advisers |
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| March 26 | On Trade and Tariffs | Adina Ardelean – SC University Economics Professor |
| April 23 |
Introduction to Alzheimer’s and Dementia |
Alice Dang – Santa Clara County Health Dept. |
| May 28 | Trivia Game | Gary Hornberger – Branch Asst. Treasurer |
| June 25 | How do cities pay their bills? | Leslie Parks – Municipal Finance Consultant / Former Economic Development Consultant for San Jose |
| July 23 (Summer BBQ) | Summer BBQ Reservation Form | |
| August 27 | Brain Disorders | Dr. Ryan Taylor – Stanford Neuroscience |
| September 24 | Aspects of Silicon Valley | Rod Diridon – Former Transportation Supervisor |
| October 22 | ||
| November 19 (3rd Wednesday) | ||
| December 3 (Holiday Party on 1st Wednesday) | MVHS Madrigal Singers |
2024 Luncheon Presentations
| Month | Presentation | Presenter |
| January 24 | The Effects of Climate Change | J. Campbell Scott |
| February 28 | Travel to Dubai | Paul Schutz |
| March 27 | WoodTurning | John Whittier |
| April 24 | Travel to Southeast Asia | Harlan Crowder |
| May 22 | Local Real Estate Status | Michael Repka |
| June 26 | Travel to Dubai with Slides | Paul Schutz |
| July 24 – Summer Barbeque | Filoli Gardens | Rachel Young |
| August 28 | Avoiding Capital Gains Taxes on Home Sales | Joe Metz |
| September 25 | The Economics of Immigration | John Haveman |
| October 23 | The History and Future of SIR | Andy Danver |
| November 13 | The Webb Telescope | Tony Mazzucco |
| December 4 – Holiday Party | The Madrigal Singers | Mountain View High School |