June 2018 Page 1 of 6 SIR Branch 35 Trail Tips

Branch 35 web site: www.sirinc2.org/branch35/ June 2018

3rd Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Elks Lodge, 4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Social Hour 11 a.m. – Lunch 11:55 a.m.

Please, IF BRINGING A GUEST OR

NOT ATTENDING!

CALL 650-823-0702

or E-MAIL sir35notify@gmail.com

by SATURDAY, June 16th (Leave name and badge #)

PROGRAM

Speaker: Spencer Christian, Weatherman on Good

Morning American and SF ABC7 News

Topic: You Bet Your Life: How I Survived Jim Crow

Racism, Hurricane Chasing, and Gambling

Come hear gripping tales that will amuse, shock and inspire. Growing up poor and black in the rigidly segregated South, Spencer Christian relied on his family’s strong values to overcome adversity. On "Good Morning America" from 1986 to 1999, he was a daily presence in the homes of millions of Americans. By every conventional standard, he had it all—a loving wife and two wonderful children, a beautiful home, and a rewarding and remarkable career. Yet, he was living a double life that was largely unknown to the TV-viewing public.

For nearly 30 years, he was a compulsive gambler — and fully addicted to the high-roller lifestyle. By the time he found the courage to confront his dependence, he had lost over three million dollars, his home, his job — and most important — his family. Spencer reveals his roller-coaster rise to success and crash to rock bottom. He also details his rebounding, rebuilding, and recovering of hope and happiness. Spencer Christian is an Emmy Award-winning reporter best known for his 13 years on "Good Morning America," where he covered the national weather reports in addition to traveling throughout the United States and abroad reporting on a wide range of topics. His book was released on May 8th. Bring your copy to be autographed after his presentation.

The Big Sir Says . . . I hope you are as excited about our June speaker, Spencer Christian, as I am. I had admired him for years on ABC National TV, then he disappeared and later showed up on local TV. Well, as Paul Harvey loved to say, we will now get “the rest of the story”! I hope more of you have signed up for the July Picnic. As I have mentioned before, it is an ideal time to bring a friend (with their spouse if appropriate) and introduce them to SIR. Ben Gikis, Ron Schoengold and Andy Danver are working on making the food extra special this year, so come on out and enjoy it. Since we will be there with friends, I thought I would leave you with a few tidbits of wisdom from Andy Rooney regarding being a friend (thanks to my friend, Don Cameron): ➢ I've learned ... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made

my day!' makes my day. ➢ I've learned....That being kind is more important than being right. ➢ I've learned....That I can always pray for someone when I don't

have the strength to help him in any other way. ➢ I've learned…That no matter how serious your life requires you

to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. ➢ I've learned....That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it

gets to the end, the faster it goes. ➢ I've learned....That money doesn't buy class ➢ I've learned....That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. ➢ I've learned....That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is

to surround myself with people smarter than I am. ➢ I've learned....That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted

with a smile. ➢ I've learned....That one should keep his words both soft and

tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. ➢ I've learned....That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your

looks.

Happy Summer,

Stan DO YOU REALIZE WHAT A GREAT VALUE THE PICNIC IS?

• $15 FOR ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK VS $25 FOR MONTHLY LUNCH

• VISIT WITH FRENDS AND JUST RELAX VS LISTEN TO A MEETING AND SPEAKER

• PLAY GAMES AND LISTEN TO MUSIC VS SING WITH THE TRAILBIRDS

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY!!!

June 2018 Page 2 of 6 SIR Branch 35 Trail Tips

ROSTER CHANGES

Active Members: 348 Net Monthly Change: -1

NEW MEMBERS

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES: 10+ YEARS

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

During the social hour before every luncheon, 11:00 a.m.

Bring a few and take a few – FREE! After the meeting, residuals go to Friends of the Library of Los Altos. Share some great books that you don't think you will read again.

Rehearsal: 2nd Wednesday, June 13th, 10:00 a.m. in the Choir Room, Los Altos Methodist Church. Pre-Meeting Rehearsal: June 20th, 11:00 a.m., Elks Lodge. Parody Writers: Bob Simon, David Skurnick Accompanist: Don Cameron Bob Simon will write the parody for the June meeting. All are welcome to join our singing.

Every Monday and Thursday, starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Rinconada Park Courts – Located on Hopkins Avenue, off Newell near Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto. We play a relaxed doubles spin in open format. Sirs and non-Sirs alike are welcome.

This couples activity is active and looking to grow. Two groups are established and having fun. We have some additional people interested in starting a third group and we need you to complete it. Contact Alan Gaudie at alangaudie@yahoo.com to express your interest or get more information.

ASSISTANT TREASURER NEEDED!

About 3 to 4 hours per month. If you can count money, fill out bank deposit/withdrawal slips, and do simple spread sheets, ------- YOU’RE HIRED! Easy job - perfect for a newer member. Please contact Larry Wray, Treasurer (408-446-4610) or any member of our BEC.

4th Friday, June 22, 2018. Meet at 10 a.m. Wives & Guests are welcome. Location: San Bruno Mountain State & County Park Driving Directions: Take Highway 101 north past San Francisco Airport to the Brisbane/Cow Palace exit and drive 1.8 miles on Bayshore Boulevard, heading toward the Cow Palace. Turn left (west) on Guadalupe Canyon Parkway and drive 2.3 miles to the park entrance on your right. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Best to allow for an hour in case of traffic delays along your way. There are no fees for seniors in the park on weekdays, but you will need to fill out a permit form. Hike Details: We will hike up to 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 900 feet. This park is noted for its wildflowers and great views of San Francisco (fog permitting). The hike starts on a trail that goes up to the peak, then along the southeast ridge. Next, we head southwest along the ridge and descend on a loop trail back to the parking lot. Wear weather appropriate clothing and hiking shoes (wind and fog are possible). Bring water and a trail lunch or snack. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Contact me by phone or email if you plan to attend this hike. This will let us know who to expect and we can provide additional driving directions, hike venue details and contact you if there are any last-minute changes (such as rain). We can coordinate car pools if desired. I send out an email reminder about a week before each hike. If you are not receiving the email and would like to be included, let me know and I will add you to the list.

2nd Thursday— June 14, 2018, 11:00 AM Wives and guests welcome Rain cancels; Helmet required Guadalupe River Trail – Alviso to Downtown San Jose. The ride: We begin the ride at the trail head on Gold Street in Alviso and follow the paved trail past San Jose Mineta Airport,and on to Coleman Avenue where we will have lunch at Panera Bakery. We will return on the same route for a round trip of approximately 17 miles. New Directions: Take Highway 101 south, to eastbound Highway 237 (toward Alviso and Milpitas). Go 2 1/2 miles and take the exit marked “Lafayette and Great America Parkway.” At the intersection, turn left on Lafayette and then immediately get into the right turn lane. The next traffic light intersection is “Gold St. Connector’”. Turn right. Go about ¼ mile to another traffic light. This is Gold Street. Turn left and go about ¼ mile. When you see a yellow traffic sign that warns of a “Narrow Bridge Ahead” prepare to turn right into the new Alviso Educational Center parking lot. Park there. To ride or for info, contact me (see above) or Gordon Tong at gordy6850@gmail.com.

Did you notice that there are ribs on the menu for the

picnic? Sign up soon.

Jim White (Caryn) 650-326-6309 95 Lane Place jhwit@sbcglobal.net Atherton, CA 94027 Coen Co.

Golf, Tennis, Fishing, Music, Sailing, Photography Don Yates (Jane) 650-851-2690 50 Bear Paw dyates@yatesassociates.com Portola Valley, CA 94028 Organization Consultant

Computers, History, Guitar, Wine Tasting, Woodworking

Bill Schick 26 Ken Newton, Jr. 14 Bruce Firpo 20 Al Parra 14 Jerry Butler 18 Jack Wu 12 Chuck Huff 18 Gerry Cooley 11 John Elrod 15 Charlie McLure 11 John Gerich 15 Herb Petersen 11 John Goldsborough 14 Frank Verlot 11 Nev Griffin 14 David Skurnick 10

Gene Ammann Jay Jonekait Evan Porteus Arden Anderson Bob Lewis Bob Simon Jack Brownson Don Lintz Paul Suchma Jerry Butler John Lucero Jim Thurber, Jr. Joe Enos Don Mattson Gordon Tong John Galli Richard Moll Rene Willdorff John Gerich Bill Moniz Dick Wilson Art Hammar Gordon Mullin Dick Wolden Carl Hellman Ken Naylor John Wong Frank Herbert Ken Nix Don Yates Chuck Huff

BOOK SWAP

TRAIL BIRDS DAVID SKURNICK 650-650-473-9263 daveskur@comcast.net

TENNIS BILL SCHICK 650-948-8768 billschick@att.net

DINING IN ALAN GAUDIE 650-964-6510 alangaudie@yahoo.com

HIKING DELL SMITH 650-968-5006 dellnmolly@sbcglobal.net

BIKING JIM LUNT 408-252-6804 jamesdlunt@yahoo.com

In Memoriam

Jeff Grundy

June 2018 Page 3 of 6 SIR Branch 35 Trail Tips

Member Profile P RON NAKAMOTO 408-440-2330 ron.nakamoto@yahoo.com

This monthly article highlights one of our branch members. We hope that you enjoy knowing a little more about your fellow members and the interesting life they have had. If you have someone you would like to nominate or if you would like to help author an article, please email ron.nakamoto@yahoo.com.

Larry Wray You know me as your Branch Treasurer and can find me behind the receiving line table collecting membership dues or writing checks. Here is my story:

“I was adopted at birth, my natural parents having decided to go their separate ways. My adoptive mother owned a flower shop, and my stepdad was a college professor and rancher in Lawton, Oklahoma. Consequently, I had a very ecumenical education. By twelve, I could muck stalls and arrange flowers with equal alacrity. “In high school I worked hard and took extra classes, which paid off in a statewide exam when I competed and won a Navy Reserve Officer

Training Corp military scholarship. One day in February I was summoned to the principal’s office over the school intercom system. On my way to the office, all I could think of was that someone in my family must have been in an auto accident or worse. When I got to the school office, the secretary handed me the telephone with a very serious look on her face. Expecting bad news, I was shocked when my congressman came on to tell me that he had used up his six allotted appointments to West Point, but he still had appointments to the Air Force and Naval Academy if I wanted one. I was speechless, so he went on to say that I had fifteen seconds to decide. Go Navy! “My senior year, the Naval Academy Chapel Choir made a trip out west and I got my first view of California. It was March 1971 and we went to sing in the Easter service at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Then it was on to Disneyland and a party on the beach. I was smitten and chose a destroyer home-ported in San Diego as my first duty assignment after graduation. The Vietnam War was in full swing, and it wasn’t long before I found myself on the naval gun line off the coast of South Vietnam. It was pretty uneventful although we were shot at a few times from the shore. It is harder than you think to hit a moving ship from the coast. “When my ship got back to San Diego, the admiral in charge of personnel came on board and myself and a few other promising officers were to detach early and go to Department Head School in Newport, Rhode Island. I was selected and was to report in October 1973. Fate again intervened, in the person of Henry Kissinger. Henry made a deal with the Shah of Iran to sell him surplus destroyers. Part of the deal was an agreement to train Iranian naval officers in Newport, Rhode Island. I got bumped and sent to a training command in San Diego for three years. I still haven’t forgiven Henry. “The rest of my five-year naval career was uneventful although I did manage to earn a Masters degree from USC and meet and marry my wife Jini. It was infatuation at first glance, at least for me. We met at happy hour at a restaurant on the water in San Diego. I wouldn’t have even been there except that my roommate chided me into coming along. The attraction was free food and of course, women. Once I screwed up my courage and started a conversation with my wife-to-be, my roommate decided to barge in. Fortunately, Jini brought along a friend who diverted my roommate. The following year, Jini and I were married and my roommate was best man. We have been happily married for some forty-two years and have three children and have three children and four grandchildren.

“Three months after we were married, I resigned from the Navy and went to work for General Dynamics in San Diego. I was hired because the company was desperate to find somebody who knew something about the Navy to work in their Advanced Systems Group on a new product the company hoped to be the future of the company. That product turned out to be the cruise missile. It was a revolutionary idea. If only the company could get the government to pay for design and development. They had already struck out with the Army, Air Force and Navy. Fortunately, a Navy liaison officer in the bowels of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) listened to the pitch and agreed to provide $200K to build and fly a prototype. However, the missile had to be redesigned so that it could come out of a torpedo tube since any funds he spent had to be Navy related. “I spent the next several years on this missile project. We got just enough money to keep the project alive, but nothing more. That all changed in 1981 when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, which, of course, belonged to the British. The pesky Argentines then sunk the British flagship, HMS Sheffield, with an Exocet missile they had bought from France (some things never change). Margaret Thatcher had just come into power and retaliated with overwhelming force. The use of the Exocet cruise missile set off a firestorm in Washington where the military was called in by Congress to explain why billions were spent every year on defense, but nobody had come up with a simple missile that could sink a ship. The Navy let it be known forthwith that it had just such a missile in development for years. That obscure Navy captain at DARPA became an admiral overnight, and the Tomahawk Cruise Missile soon was on most Navy ships, even carriers. It was five years of hard work vindicated. “As with the DARPA captain, my career at General Dynamics took off. By 1985, I was promoted to Director of Systems Engineering. My main challenge now was to convince NASA to accept the Centaur rocket for use in the Space Shuttle. A rocket was needed to get satellites from low earth orbit (200 miles up) where the Shuttle flies to geostationary (23,000 miles) orbit. I was at Cape Kennedy making a presentation to NASA on the benefits and risks of the Centaur rocket. At lunchtime, we went out to watch the Shuttle launch. It was the day the Challenger went down. It was the most horrific experience of my life, and it changed my future. “Facing extreme criticism for the Challenger disaster, NASA figured the best way to get the press off their back was to make a big deal about dumping the “cryogenic bomb” that General Dynamics was peddling. This caused the company to sell the San Diego division to the Martin Corporation. The writing was on the wall and not wanting to move to Denver, I found new employment with Ford Aerospace in Palo Alto in 1987. My job at Ford Aerospace was rewarding and fun, but very demanding. I was hired to manage the satellite assembly, integration and test, a 7/24 operation. After six interesting, exhausting but fulfilling years I was offered an opportunity to work in Fort Wayne, Indiana or Cannes, France. I somehow managed to keep a straight face and mumbled something about consulting with my better half. “So it was that I wound up in Cannes with my wife and three children in 1993. It was tough duty, but somebody had to do it. Merci beaucoup!! After returning from France, I spent five years in program management before being asking to take over satellite integration and test once again in 2000, following a series of setbacks in the factory. “Two years later, in 2002, I was rewarded with a promotion to Vice

President of Product Assurance. I spent the remainder of my career trying to solve the problems that had bedeviled me when I was responsible for building and testing satellites. We made a lot of headway and wound up with a third of the worldwide commercial satellite market. I retired in January 2014, following my 65th birthday after over 26 years with Ford Aerospace and its successor, Space Systems Loral. “To make a clean break (and keep the phone from ringing) my wife and I took a cruise ship to Australia

Navy Lieutenant Larry with his bride Jini in 1977

June 2018 Page 4 of 6 SIR Branch 35 Trail Tips

the day after I retired. While on the thirty-four- day cruise, I got an email from a hitherto unknown half-brother. My natural parents had gone their separate ways, married others, and raised families. Meeting my half-brothers on my father’s side was a “closing the circle” experience. Suddenly, I had brothers and sisters. I was welcomed into their families like a long-lost sibling. For someone who had always wondered about his heritage, it was thrilling to learn that my father’s family first settled in Jamestown in 1624, and my mother’s family helped found Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1634. Life is ever more interesting. Not surprisingly, I have become interested in genealogy. “I joined SIR in 2015 and have been the treasurer for Branch 35 since 2016. I enjoy the tennis group and the book reading group. It’s a great organization. I am in the giving back part of my life. I have found this to be very rewarding.

“You have to have something to retire to, not just from.” *******************************************

Every Friday, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Wives and guests are welcome. Location: Bocce Ball Courts (between second and last wing), Los Altos Senior Center, 97 Hillview Ave. (just off San Antonio Rd.) Parking near baseball fields. We continue to be grateful for and enjoy playing with the new members of our Friday Bocce games. We have seen a variety of long time SIR Branch 35 members join with us in recent months - Dick Knock and Norm Kitching - but also recent new members Jay Siedenburg, Gil Eakins, Phil Bencivenga (a branch transfer), Dave Asplund, Peter Thurston, Bill Baker and John Ray. Some have pursued other activities in addition to Bocce. Several of these were sponsored by members of our Bocce Team for membership in Branch 35. In fact, regular playing guest Hal Toppel of Sunnyvale, a neighbor of Norm Pass, hopes to join the branch soon. We are glad that Bocce can be a vehicle for enjoyment and fellowship for a number of us but also a means for facilitating new member growth.

SIRs Financial group will meet again on Wednesday., June 6, in the Los Altos branch of First Republic Bank at 1PM. Our major discussion topic will be REITs. Please bring any information you would like to share about your favorite funds, and maybe learn about new favorites .

Assistant: Walter Weber 408-371-8925, walterweber08@comcast.net There are always many opportunities to enrich your life with a SIR travel adventure. Take advantage of the following two activities: August 14-18, 2017 - Ashland, Oregon Shakespeare Festival A five-day bus tour to Ashland departing from San Jose. The trip features two Shakespeare Festival productions and a Cabaret show “Drowsy Chaperone”. Shakespeare Festival productions are “Merry Wives of Windsor” performed outdoor on the Elizabethan Stage and “Shakespeare in Love” performed indoor at the Bowmer Theatre. Tour Harry & David’s in Medford, OR, Rogue Creamery and, time permitting, Lille Belle Farms Chocolate Shop. We’ll also visit the National Historic Village of Jacksonville. We will make other stops on the way both going (hosted lunch in Williams, CA) and returning (Napa Valley hosted lunch and visit a winery for wine tasting). Costs include insurance, tickets to shows, 9 meals, bus driver and guides tips, baggage handling, and four nights of deluxe accommodations. For more information and reservations contact SIR Escort Bill Rodman, 408-274-4521

Sep 23 – Oct 2, 2018 American Queen – St Louis to Memphis Enjoy a Mississippi River Cruise on the recently refurbished and luxurious American Queen paddle-wheeler. Begin this excursion with an overnight hotel stay in St Louis and finish with another overnight hotel stay. For more information and reservations contact SIR Escorts Mike Console, 408-246-1080 or John Pletsch 408-274-2292.

Every Tuesday, 1:00 p.m., at Homestead Lanes, Homestead & Stelling, in Cupertino. The Winter/Spring Session winners are Gabriel Ibarra, Ron Nakamoto and Doug Anderson pictured below (L to R). If you have been thinking about joining, this is a good time to participate in our handicap league. All bowling levels are welcome. Cost is $15 per week.

WINTER/SPRING SESSION – FINAL STANDINGS 1ST PLACE – Doug Anderson, Gabriel Ibarra, Ron Nakamoto

2ND PLACE – Mark Castro, Rich McGrath, Bob Taggart

3RD PLACE – Arnie Satterlee, Mike Hartter, Jay Jonekait

4TH PLACE – Fred Emmenegger, Dave Ogle, John Faucett

5TH PLACE – Ruth Ososkie, Jerry Ososkie, Bob Garten

6TH PLACE – Candy Eastham, Carl Moyer, Tim Eastham

7TH PLACE – Al Defino, Paul Schutz, Michael Ibarra, Phil Vanderwerf

8TH PLACE – Brenda Hart, Jim Holman, Harold Kaye, Doug Ericsson

9TH PLACE – Nancy Jones, Ken Jones, Joe Enos

10TH PLACE – Fred Schwalbach, Ranney Thayer, Alan Gaudie, Darryl Walker

HERE ARE THE LEADERS – FINAL

HIGH SERIES - SCRATCH 1st – John Faucett: 648 2nd – Joe Enos: 586 3rd – Phil Vanderwerf: 573

HIGH GAME - SCRATCH 1st – Jerry Ososkie: 234

2nd – Michael Ibarra: 223 3rd – Jay Jonekait: 220

HIGH HANDICAP SERIES 1st – Ken Jones: 708 2nd – Bob Taggart: 695

3rd – Gerry Cooley: 688

HIGH HANDICAP GAME 1st – Harold Kaye: 275 2nd – Nancy Jones: 261

3rd – Arnie Satterlee: 252

GOLF BOB GARTEN, GOLF CHAIRMAN 408-253-5860, xonon1@comcast.net

(Golf Committee members are listed on page 7 of the Membership Roster.)

BOCCE BALL NORM PASS – SCHEDULE/ CANCELLATIONS 408-737-7639; normpass@sbcglobal.net

FRED SCHWALBACH – PLAYER

DEVELOPMENT 408-257-9713; fpschwalbach@aol.com JOHN RICHARDSON - SUPPORT 650-996-7787; jlr@rcgc.com

INVESTMENTS JIM DUNAWAY 408-255-9244 jedandled@sbcglobal

TRAVEL ED PAUSA 650-324-0322 clements.e.pausa@us.pwc.com

BOWLING

BOB TAGGART 650-321-2654 cbtaggart@earthlink.net DOUG ANDERSON 415-407-4000 marktinti@aol.com Prizes: Alan Gaudie

June 2018 Page 5 of 6 SIR Branch 35 Trail Tips

SIGN-UP for the following by June 9th with John Gerich, 650-969-6679, jgerich(at)juno.com

GOLF RESULTS

June 2018 Page 6 of 6 SIR Branch 35 Trail Tips

SIR Branch 35 – Summer Picnic

at Blackberry Farm in Cupertino

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Hours: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm (BBQ: 12:00 – 1:00)

21979 San Fernando Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014

For reservations, please contact

Andy Danver 650-906-3747 adanver@ix.netcom.com

Our 2018 Annual Summer Picnic at nearby Blackberry Farm

is a real old-fashion outdoor picnic staffed by our own

Branch 35 volunteers which offers:

All You Can Eat and Drink including Ribs, Chicken,

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Salads, Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks

A Great location – Only 10 miles from Palo Alto Elks

Level terrain – A short walk from parking to picnic area

Great prices – An amazingly low $15 per person

DJ, Music, Bingo and Tomato Contest at the site

Bocce Ball and Horseshoes in adjoining area

Swimming and Golf nearby for an additional charge

Driving Directions From 280 (South & North)

Take the 85-south exit from 280, take the Stevens Creek Blvd exit

from 85-south, and turn right. Once on Stevens Creek, make an

immediate left turn at the first light on to Bubb Road, then a right

onto McClellan Road, a right onto Byrne Avenue, and a left onto San

Fernando Avenue. Keep right at the fork and make a right turn into

the parking lot. Park in one of the marked spaces.

SIR Branch 35 – 2018 Summer Picnic

Reservation Form

Return this reservation form with your check to: Andy Danver

SIR Branch 35 Picnic 13474 Robleda Road

Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Member name: _______________________________

Guest names: _________________________________

# of Members & Guests ____ (at) $15 each $____

# of Children (10 and under) ____ (at) $10 each $____

# of Prospective Members & their Guests (FREE) ____

Total amount submitted ………………………… $_________ (Swimming and golf are an additional charge)

For planning purposes, please indicate your preferences: FOOD Number BEVERAGES Number

Ribs ____ Soft Drinks ____

Chicken ____ Beer ____

Hamburger ____ Wine ____

Hot Dogs ____