Author: Floyd

SIR Branch 116
Newsletter
March 2021

Enhancing the lives of our members through fun activities, luncheons and events while making Friends for Life

Message from Sam

I hope all of our members and their families are doing well. March is the beginning of the spring season and we are all looking forward to the flowers blooming and the warm weather coming. We are starting March with good news in several fronts.
Covid vaccines are here and many of our members have already been immunized. Tom O’Brien and Roger Craig [Member Relations] just completed a “phone tree” program with branch members calling other SIRs for fellowship. During those phone calls, callers asked whether any of our members needed help to get vaccine appointments. State SIR organization is also sending a survey asking SIRs whether they will be getting the Covid vaccines. Participation is voluntary. Our branch member Dennis Snarr graciously agreed to be our branch coordinator for this survey. After the survey, Dennis will be contacting those SIRs who indicated that they need help with the vaccine.
Reopening of golf is another good news. SIR 116 golf tournaments and golf lessons are now starting subject to State, Local Government Health Directives as well as State SIR Golf Health Protocol that is posted on our branch golf website. Other outdoor activities will gradually reopen this month after we work out the associated health protocols.
The turnout at the February monthly meeting was the best since the pandemic started. We had over 175 SIRS attending - many of them from other branches. State SIR President Stu Williams joined us briefly as well during the meeting. Our February speaker – Major General Yee, who is Assistant Director of US Cyber Command – gave a very informative presentation on our country’s cyber operations. Major General also obliged our Diversity Support Team and stayed an extra 30 minutes and gave his views and reflections on diversity & inclusion.
You can read about what our Diversity Support team is doing in this issue of Trampas Topics. I would like to emphasize to our members that this effort is not a “political” statement” and its sole intent is to ensure the viability of our branch while facing declining membership. If you have any questions or comments, please call me or any member of the Diversity Support Team.
Stay safe, stay in touch and start participating in our outdoor activities.

Trampas Topics

Sam Beret, Big SIR

Next Meeting
via Zoom on
Mar. 15 at 11:30 AM

Topics Index

Activities Chair 8
Amiable Amblers 4
Big SIR Report 1
Birthdays 4
Book Group 1 9
Book Group 2 9
Brain Teasers 4
Branch Officers 2
Bridge 10
Calendar 3
Computer & T. 10
Diversity Comm. 8
Fishing 10
Golf 12
Little SIR Report 6
Meeting Speaker 5
Membership 4
Publicity 7
SIR Web Address 7
$UMS Investment 11
Sunshine 4
Topics Submissions 10
Treasurer’s Report 4

Please email or call any BEC member if you have any questions/news regarding branch activities or members

2021 SIR Branch 116 Officers

Big SIR
Sam
Beret

Little SIR
Fred
Wachowicz

Treasurer
Alan
Fitzgerald

Asst.Treas.
Al
Satake

Secretary
Paul
Ramacciotti

Asst. Sec.
Alan
Pope

Member.Sec.
Phil
Goff

2021 SIR Branch 116 Directors

Michael
Barrington

Gary
Boswell

Roger
Craig

Kevin
Donahue

Al
Farbman

Darrell
McClaughry

2021 Support Chairmen

2021 Activity Chairmen

RAMP Department Heads:
Recruitment Don Schroeder
Activities Mike Ward
Member Relations Tom O’Brien/Roger Craig
Publicity Allan Farbman
Branch Support Chairmen:
Audit Committee Ron Armijo
Nominating Committee Michael Barrington
Sunshine Committee Matt Arena
Computer Support Neil Schmidt/Phil Goff
Webmaster Neil Schmidt/Phil Goff
Newsletter Editor Neil Schmidt
New Member Orientation Dave Williams
Membership Roster Prep George Pryhuber
Diversity Support Team
Team Leader Fred Wachowicz
Team Member Sam Beret
Team Member Terry Sherman
Team Member Al Satake
Team Member Jerry Hicks
Team Member Jim McCormick
Team Advisor Lee Moy
Luncheon Support Team:
Attendance Mike Scheneider
Audio Visual Neil Schmidt
Chaplain Committee Terry Sherman
Greeters Committee Terry Grummitt
Raffle Committee Ben Bryce
Storytellers Committee Mac McLoughlin/F. Schafer
Speakers Committee
Team Member Fred Wachowicz
Team Member Jeff Johnson
Team Member Allan Farbman
Team Member Paul Freitas
Team Member Roger Craig

Activity Chairman Asst. Chairman
Amiable Amblers John Riordan Joel White
Bocce Jim Seven Paul Russell
Book Group 1 Rich Black Steve Bort
Book Group 2 Alan Pope Scott Clark
Book Exchange John Fraser Dick Kauffman
Bridge Jon Dickson Bob Wolf
Computer & Tech. Neil Schmidt Phil Goff
Dine-O-SIR Alex Lutkus Marty Katz
Duplicate Bridge Conrad Robertson Tom Henry
Fishing Harry Sherinian Terry Miller
Golf—18 Hole Bernie Wroblewski Jim Johnson
Golf—9 Hole Dick Chaffee D. Mclaughry
Golf—Carmel Jim Barstow JJ, Harris, Eller
Golf—Carson City David Harris Harry Oberle
Golf—Lessons Jerry Zampino Jeff Johnson
Mexican Train Richard Madden Alex Lutkus
Parties Marty Katz
Pickleball Ed Solomon Gary Bonfiglio
Poker Lou Sandor
Saturday Tours Greg Hughes
$ums in Retirement Ben Smith
Travel TBD
Wine-O-SIR Lou Meylan

A Thank You to all Br. 116 SIR Who Volunteer to be Leaders

Some Other SIR Area 16 Activities

Apple User Group Dick Macy (Br.171) 376-1180
Astronomy Bill Hunter (Br.8) 947-6947
Bowling Dan Weller (Br. 8) 935-5510
Digital Photo. Bill Phelon (Br.8) 254-8338
Pocket Pool Jerry White (Br.8) 944-9068
Tennis Ralph Thornicraft (174) 376-8140

Page 2

Monthly Activities Calendar

Page 3

Branch Administration

Treasurey Report
Alan Fetzgerald, Treasurer

Branch Membership
Phil Goff, Membership Chairman

Total Current Membership is 204
(no change since February)

March Birthdays
When you see these members, wish them a
Happy Birthday!

Sunshine
Matt Area, Sunshine Chairman

SIR Ben Smith found himself in John Muir Medical Center recently. They took test after test to see what was the problem. Last Saturday he was discharged and is now at home with therapists coming to the home to help him get his strength back. Ben is in good spirits looking forward to a complete recovery.
Past BIG SIR Robbie Robinson was watching the PGA on my call to him. His wonderful wife Nancy filled me in on Robbie. He is working with the VA on Zoom to give him some exercises since he is not getting out . I also spoke to him and he much appreciates the calls he gets form the members. His spirits are good .
SIR Lou Meylan is dealing with some swelling in his legs. He had a procedure to remove a clot put following this surgery he is still looking for relief from the swelling. Lou is not one to sit around so he and Carole are taking some nice drives to break up the boredom.
In ordinary life, we hardy realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with GRATITUDE and life becomes rich.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Doug Allen
Pete Belden
Gary Bonfiglio
John Hughes
Dick Kauffman
Bob Loder
Bill McCord
Rick Parker
Allen Pirkle
Bob Price
Ron Radakovich
Paul Ramacciotti
Norm Schoenfeld
Terry Sherman
John Story
Dave Williams

March Brain Teasers
(Compliments of Alan Fitzgerald)
If yesterday had been Wednesday’s tomorrow and tomorrow is Sunday’s yesterday, what day would today be?
Mrs. Smith left on a trip the day after the day before yesterday and she will be back the eve of the day after tomorrow. How many days is she away?
A man was telling me on a particular occasion, “The day before yesterday I was 35 years old and next year I will turn 38.” How can this be?
Find a commonly used word that ends in T, contains the letters VEN, and starts with IN.
See answers on Page 6

Page 4

Luncheon Speaker

March Meeting
March 15, 2021
“Answering Your Travel Questions”

Our speaker for March will be Jenny Gowan, Africa Operations Manager for Wilderness Travel, an award-winning international travel company.
COVID has changed so much of what we can do.
When can we get back to traveling?
Where can we go?
What safety precautions are being put in place?
How far in advance should we be booking?
Come see what the travel experts are doing.

Page 5

Branch Administration

Little SIR Report
Fred Wachowicz

Welcome to March and the approach of Spring! Most of us have now been able to get both covid vaccine shots and the shift back to normality is beginning to move forward.
Have you been wondering “what is the objective of our Branch Diversity Support Team”? This team was just recently formed in September of 2020. Its focus is to help us in reaching out to every demographic segment in our local community who might be interested in SIR membership and the friendship opportunities that we provide.
The Diversity Support Team describes its Mission as:
Recruit Branch Membership from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds residing in our local community and retain them through fun activities – while making friends for life
The members of the Team include: Terry Sherman, Jerry Hicks, Al Satake, Mike Ward, Michael Barrington, Sam Beret, Fred Wachowicz, Lee Moy, and Jim McAllister.
The Team recognizes that it can be difficult to reach various segments of the community to promote SIR membership and has therefore developed several alternatives for moving forward. One of these steps was to ask Major General Yee, our February monthly meeting speaker, to reflect on both his personal and military experience in a diverse civilian and military environment following his presentation on US Cyber Operations.
Another step currently underway includes a regular newsletter report from the Diversity Support Team to update our membership on the team’s work.
In today’s highly charged political environment the word “Diversity” can have many meanings so it is therefore important to reaffirm that we are a retired men’s social organization and that we do not address or represent any political issues of the day in any way whatsoever nor do we have any mandate from our membership to provide information, education, or advocacy with regard to political issues of the day.
The Diversity Support Team is just one of the many initiatives in our Branch to consistently recruit and retain new members and friends in our social organization. The team will be working together with our Recruiting, Activities, Member Relations, and Publicity leaders in our outreach efforts.
If you have questions, comments, please reach out to any Diversity Team member.
See you at our regular monthly meeting on the Ides of March!

BRAIN TEASER ANSWERS
Friday
Three days and two nights. She left yesterday and will return tomorrow.
The man’s birthday is December 31 and he was talking on January 1. He’s 36 now, the day before yesterday he was 35, this calendar year he will turn 37, and next calendar year he will turn 38.
INVENT
How did you do?

Page 6

Branch Administration

Publicity Initiatives
Allan Farbman, Publicity Chair

It seems as if we may be starting on the road to recovery from these uncertain times. While it is still unknown when we will meet again for our in-person monthly luncheons and other indoor activities, we have been able to open up some of our outdoor activities such as golf with strict adherence to our stated protocols.
Looking ahead, we want to make certain that our Las Trampas Branch # 116’s name and identity is well known to the local communities we draw our membership from. We want to be in a good position should existing members and new members want to again join in the fun of belonging to our Las Trampas Branch.
Aside from word-of-mouth, one important tool we can use is frequent publicity in the local print and electronic media.
As an example, we have started out with an “Event Notice” in Patch that received 89,365 “impressions” (73,364 e-mails; 16,001 web pages) that reached members of the public in five cities in our area. Unlike so-called “neighbor posts”, Event Notices on Patch are given preference in Patch’s daily newsletter, featured at the top of local news pages, broadcasted to Patch’s local Facebook feeds and can reach multiple communities in our area. In this case, our Las Trampas Branch’s notice was included for 7 days prior to our February 15 monthly meeting.
In addition, we are planning to use the local print media published by individual communities in our geographic area to reach existing and prospective members.
We are also exploring whether we can get other organizations such as Rotary to publicize our events.
Needless to say, this requires advanced planning and coordination. So, as Chairman of the SIR Las Trampas Publicity Team, I am looking for a few good men to join me and help with this initiative. This may include contacting your local community newspaper, posting “Neighbor Notices” on local social media, exploring new publicity opportunities, working with our activity chairs to gather information about upcoming events as well as reporting on recent past activity. To really make this work, we need a great plan and a great team to execute the plan!
Our goal is simple: (1) Increase New Members; (2) Retain Current Members.
So, how about it. Interested? If so, please contact me, Al Farbman, at: allanfarbman@aol.com / 925.708.0668

SIR Web Addresses

SIR 116 Web Site
branch116.org
Branch 116 Golf
branch116golf.org
Branch 116 Shopping Cart
sons-in-retirement-las-trampas-br-116.square.site
Area 16 Computer and Technology
sirinc2.org/a16cat/

Page 7

Branch Activities

Activities Report
Mike Ward, Activities Head

ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN
All SIR BRANCH 116 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES are now open for play provided the Activity receives prior BEC Approval. SIR President, Stu Williams, released these activities on February 11.
The Outdoor Activity must be submitted to the BEC with a written Covid-19 Protocol. Please use the 18 Hole Golf Protocol, as a sample, when preparing your activity protocol. Be sure to modify the Golf protocol , to insure that final submittal matches your activity.
In the February 15th BEC meeting, 18 Hole Golf, 9 Hole Golf and Golf Lessons were approved for play. The other 7 outdoor activity protocols, have been prepared or in preparation process to be submitted to the March 15th BEC meeting for review/approval.
For approved Activities, please contact the various Activity Chairman for procedures and schedules.
ANNUAL SURVEY
The 2021 Annual Activity Survey has been reviewed and completed. The Survey will be emailed to each branch member prior to our next meeting which will be on March 15.
Again, please take the time and effort to complete this survey online and on time. This survey is the only feedback we receive, to help us create new activities for our members.
TRAVEL
Due to the Covid-19 situation, the Travel interest is still on hold. Once the Covid 19 goes away, our branch members will feel a lot more secure and safe to travel by Land or Sea.
In the meantime , Armchair travel video’s are still available from Alamo Travel.
Again, please give me a call at (510) 734-9863 or email me at Michael.ward64@comcast.net, if you have an interest in receiving video’s on a Domestic or International trip.(Land or Sea)

Diversity Committee
Jerry Hicks, Team Member

Back in 1940’s in Minot, ND, we Norwegians thought that Swedes were diverse! Our life changes were made with Jackie Robinson breaking into baseball, Harry Truman ordering equal opportunity in the Armed Forces, and Johnson’s Civil Rights Act of 1964. Diversity progress is especially evident in our state and county where demographics have broadened over the years.
March marks one year since joining together for our luncheon meetings and for nearly the same time that most of our activities have been postponed. Almost all of you have remained within our Branch. That is very good, thank you, and we’re looking forward in few months for a return to normality.
Our friendships and activities are unique in comparison with other fraternal organizations. It is now time to reach out to extend our many benefits to others, expanding our membership with good people of interesting and different backgrounds residing in our local community.
Recruiting such men will not only sustain our membership but will also expand our circle of friendship and life experiences. Join us as we’re finding ways to reach out across our community as we recruit new members.

Page 8

Branch Activities

Book Group 1
Rich Black

Book Group #1 will next meet on March, 22, 2021 to discuss “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. It is the custom of Book Group #1 to meet at 10:15 am at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, in Orinda and by March 22 we will, fortunately, have had our two shots. However, until approval by SIRS leadership of indoor events and until Orinda Books to accommodate us in a socially distanced manner, this meeting will again be conducted on the Zoom on-line platform on the above date at the above time. The Convener will notify members ahead of time if an in-person meeting consistent with all relevant guidelines can be conducted. Prospective new members should contact Richard Black at
Blackrw41@comcast.net
Book Group #1 met on February 21 to discuss “The Mirage Factory…Illusion, Imagination, and The Invention of Los Angeles” by Gary Krist. John Kopchik recommended the book and Richard Black led the discussion with Jerry Christopherson, John Riordan, Garrett Girvan, Richard Rossland, Mac McLoughlin, Pail Freitas, Mike Schneider, Nick Bowles, Art Donaldson, Jim Flessner, Dick Kauffman, Joel White, Richard White and Steve Bort. If you don’t know about the St. Francis Dam collapse, Google it. It ranks second in fatalities only to The San Francisco Earthquake among California disasters. The group gave the book a 4.3 star rating.

Book Group 2
Allan Pope

Book Group 2 met by Zoom teleconference on Thursday, February 17, to discuss “Manhunt-The Twelve-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer” by James Swanson. It is well known that John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, while Lincoln attended a play at Ford’s theater in Washington, D.C. What is not generally known is that Lincoln lived for approximately 8 hours before he died on the morning of April 15. On the other hand, his killer went on the run for 12 days, eventually cornered in a tobacco barn and shot dead on April 26.
The author provided great detail of the events before, during and after Lincoln’s assassination. Some in the book group took issue with the amount of detail provided by the author, while others liked the description of the events that happened immediately after the assassination. The author also described the way some of the people who helped Booth during his escape, like the infamous Dr. Samuel Mudd, were eventually pardoned by President Andrew Johnson, while others exploited their moment of infamy for profit. The group in general enjoyed this detailed description of Lincoln’s assassination, the conspirators who took part, and its aftermath. The group gave the book an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.
The next Book Club 2 meeting will be on Thursday, March 18, at 11 am by videoconference using the Zoom app. The group will discuss “The Paris Architect” by Charles Belfoure. Whether you have read the book or not, we welcome anyone interested to join us.
In April, Book Club 2 will meet and discuss “Let the Peacock Sing” by Michael Barrington. Michael has graciously offered to discuss the book and present slides that provide additional background information regarding the French resistance (the “Maquis”) during World War II.

Page 9

Branch Activities

Fishing
Harry Sherinian

All SIR members and guests are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to participate in fishing trips as well as attend the monthly meetings. Contacts are Big Fish, Ron Lew 925-550-4166 and Harry Sherinian, 925-846-706 Branch 116 Fishing Coordinator. Next meeting will be through ZOOM on Thursday, March 25th, at 8:30am.
We had been fishing all year, up until February, without much success. Covid restrictions causing closures and access problems, lack of rain, and low water temperature had all but stopped us. Many of us fished for sturgeon. Many of us did not catch any sturgeon. Some of us fished for trout. Some of us did not catch any trout. Tom Kostik, Harry Sherinian and Ron Lew caught a few stripers. Then our local lakes opened and the winter trout bonanza began. We are so blessed with San Pablo Reservoir, Lafayette Reservoir, and other close ponds being generously stocked. Stan Wong, Phil Scimonelli, fishing from shore, Carl Moyer, Bob Hillacker, Brion Beetz, and even Bob Lively in his Kayak, caught lots of red meated trouts. Martin Steinpress caught trout from the Stanislaus River on flies.
Because our activity happens outdoors, we have been able to pursue our passion, observing all the COVID limitations. However, we no longer had SIR sponsored in person events. That is being changed. We do have meetings and discussions via computer.

Bridge
Jon Dickson

We bridge players want to thank Dick Chaffee and Dennis Snarr for setting up a ZOOM - Trickster Bridge game for 10 teams, over a 9-week period, a couple times so far. This at least gives us some communication with our fellow bridge payers and allows us to keep our bridge memories alive. Now our usual start of conversation is "did you or when will you receive a vaccination".
Our usual 2nd and 4th Tuesday bridge games at Diablo Country Club are still on hold, as of course all gatherings are not allowed. I do hope all clubs survive these many months with no income coming to them.
Our bridge players will be the first to hear from me when this shutdown ends. Letes hope it is soon.

Computers & Tech
Neil Schmidt

Trampas Topics Submissions

We need your contributions and suggestions for Trampas Topics. Please send photos, news items, SIR activities, and Letters to the Editor:
Neil Schmidt, Trampas Topics Editor
trampastopics@gmail.com

Page 10

The SIR Area 16 Computer & Technology Group will not be having a meeting in March because we have had difficulty finding volunteers to lead a discussion. A person does not need to be an expert on a subject to be a presenter. They just have to do some research and report their findings to the group. If you are willing to volunteer, send an email to: SIRArea2CAT@gmail.com

Branch Activities

Amiable Amblers
John Riorday

I have submitted a plan for resuming walking activity to the Branch Executive Committee. I will notify everyone on the Amblers mailing list of the detailed plan protocols and first walk information as soon as I receive the BEC approval. In brief the protocols are:
State SIR guidelines must be followed.
State and county public health orders must be followed.
Face masks are mandatory.
No carpooling with multiple households.
Don’t participate if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Report any post-walk COVID-19 diagnosis.
These walks are for individuals or couples, as spouses and significant others are encouraged to participate. The significant other/spouse is also invited to participate even when the member is unable to. SIR members, including those from other branches, wishing to join this mellow group or to be added to the email contact list should contact John Riordan at jriordan730@gmail.com or 925-284-3394.

$ums Investment
Tom Henry (Br. 174)

We will again join Branch 128 (San Ramon) for their March 24 Zoom meeting at 1:30 PM.
The discussion will be about the make up of Model Portfolios based on Risk Tolerance and Investing Objectives (external speaker being considered).
Contact Dave Sutton if you wish to be added to the email list. Chair - Tom Henry - Branch 174: tomhenry925@gmail.com and Co-chair Dave Sutton - Branch 8: davesutn@comcast.net

Thank You Dave
Over ten years ago, on January 1, 2011, Dave Carlson became the SIR Branch 116 Golf Treasurer. He held that post for over 10 years. Today, Alan Pope has assumed the role of Golf Treasurer.
We want to thank Dave Carlson for his years of unsung effort. He has been there for all of us. He checked the Golf Post Office Box several times each week, and collected checks for membership, tournaments and special outings. Then, he recorded them and sent the information to the web site and organizers. Then, he paid the golf course for our green fees, plus issuing checks for deposits for future events, paying for the Golf hotline, and lots of other stuff. He also maintained the money for all the hole-in-one pots for the 18 and 9 hole clubs.
Dave Carlson, thank you for all your work for the SIR Branch 116 Golf Club.

Page 11

SIR Golf

SIR Golf
Bernie Wroblewski, Golf Chairman

SIR Golf is Back!
The state SIR organization has lifted the temporary restriction on outdoor activities, including golf. And our BEC has approved the reopening of our 18-hole and 9-hole golfing events. This reopening however must comply with the state SIR COVID-19 Guidelines, as well as our Branch COVID-19 requirements. All compliance requirements are listed on our Branch golf web page. (Also directly jump to Guidelines at: Guidelines)
This lifting of the temporary restrictions means our Branch golf events, both at Boundary Oak and at the “away” courses for March and April have resumed. Signups are now available on our Branch golf web page.
Golfers Social Distancing

Latest SIR 116 Golf Info Available on Our Golf Web Site

The Golf Website is: branch116golf.org
Please bookmark it in your “Favorites” list of websites to access information on the following:
2018 Golf Schedule: Dates, times, and courses as well as detailed information on costs, payment information, deadlines, and special event facts.
18-Hole Pairings: Shows captains, teams, starting times & handicaps for next event.
18-Hole Leaders and Results: Shows results from recent events and leaders in each group.
Paid-In-Advance Sign-Ups: Shows checks that have been received for the next 3-4 pre-paid outings.
Boundary Oak Sign-Ups: Shows who has signed-up for the next two Boundary Oak sessions.

March 9-Hole Schedule

March 18-Hole Schedule

Date	Time	Location	Organizer
Wed. 03	10:00	Pleasanton GC	Katz/Chaffee
Wed. 10	10:00	Diablo Hills	D.McClaughry
Wed. 17	10:00	Buchanan Fields	Dick Chaffee
Wed. 24	10:00	Diabko Hills	D.McClaughry
Wed. 31		Rossmoor (TBD)	D.McClaughry

Date	Time	Location	Organizer
Mon. 01	9:32	Boundary Oak	Fred Schafer
Mon. 08	9:32	Boundary Oak	Fred Schafer
Tue. 16	TBA	San Ramon	Fred Schafer
Mon. 22	10:00	Lone Tree	Fred Schafer

18-Hole Pay In Advance Deadlines

Event Date	Location	Deadline	Amount
March 16	San Ramon	Mar. 8	Pay at course (R $36, W $24)
March 22	Lone Tree	Mar. 16	$49
April 20	Hiddenbrooke	Apr. 10	$48
April 26	Las Positas	Apr. 16	$46

Sign-up via Branch 116 Shopping Cart System at: sons-in-retirement-las-trampas-br-116.square.site

Page 12

RETURN TO: Neil Schmidt
2231 San Miguel Dr.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596-5805

Sons In Retirement: A non profit Organization for Men Enjoying Active Retirement

Rules of Attendance & Membership for SIR Branch 116
RULE 100. A member shall be notified in writing and/or telephone by his Branch of the pending termination of his membership should he be responsible for any of the following:
Miss three (3) consecutive regular luncheon meetings without having been excused by contacting the designated Branch Attendance person prior to the meeting date.
Did not attend one-half of the regular luncheon meetings within the previous twelve consecutive month period. NOTE: Excused meetings cannot be included to achieve the minimum attendance.
All legitimate alternatives to termination shall be explored. The member’s response may suggest an alternative to termination such as inactive status.
RULE 101. Certification of attendance by a member at another Branch meeting will be considered as a credit to his attendance record. Individual Branches may limit the number of make-ups during a 12-month period.

Non Responsibility Declaration
RULE 345: All activities arranged for or by, Sons In Retirement, Incorporated, and its Branches, are for the convenience and pleasure of the members and their guests who desire to participate. Sons In Retirement, Incorporated, and its Branches do not assume any responsibility for the well being or safety of the participants or their property, in any matters pertaining to said activities.

Checks for Trips
Trips of 2 days and 1 night or less may be made payable to the Branch conducting the trip. Trips in excess of 1 night must be made payable to the travel agency involved.

B

In Memoriam
Patrick J. Bermingham
December 8, 1935 - January 7, 2021

January 2021
Luncheon Speaker

Checkout the new and improved State SIR Happenings Newsletter. With a new editor the newsletter February 2021 has been radically expanded with lots of information about fun things that are going on in our branches.
You can find it at: https://sirinc.org/newsletters

SIR Web Addresses

Parties
Marty Katz
(mctkatz@pacbell.net)

Carmel Golf Outing
Jim Barstow
(jbarstow@aol.com)

SIR 116 Web Site
branch116.org
Branch 116 Golf
branch116golf.org
Branch 116 Shopping Cart
sons-in-retirement-las-trampas-br-116.square.site
Area 16 Computer and Technology
sirinc2.org/a16cat/
SIR Happenings State Newsletter
sirinc.org/newsletters/

Wine-O-SIR
Lou Meylan
(loumeylan@hotmail.com)

Pickleball
Ed Solomon
(edsolomon@gmail.com)

Walking Tours
Greg Hughes
(greghughes505@gmail.com)

Want a Free $25 Lunch ?
Sponsor a New Member !

Amiable Amblers
John Riordan & Joel White
(jriordan730@gmail.com)

Activity Chair
Mike Ward
(michael.ward64@comcast.net)

Always checkout the SIR Happenings State
Newsletter at:
sirinc.org/newsletters/
It contains some interesting SIR reading material.

Little SIR Report
Fred Wachowicz
(fredwach@pacbell.net)