what is sir? 2020 · trader joes. your may experience a wait time for some of this service, but...

Send Hotline comments to Chuck Joyce at [email protected]............. INDEX

Branch 8 Website:

https://www.sirbr8.com

BIG SIR COLUMN I hope that you and your family are healthy, safe, and have successfully adapted to our "shelter-at-home" lifestyle. In addition, you will need your new face mask inside essential businesses, visiting healthcare facilities, and waiting in line. Clearly, we are learning new coping strategies as we go along. Unfortunately, we will be unable to resume our normal luncheon and

activity schedule in May. The Branch Executive Committee (BEC) made the following decisions at our meeting on April 13:

Cancel our Branch 8 luncheon scheduled for May 11.

Continue the suspension of all SIR activities and events thru the end of May.

Cancel the Ladies Day Luncheon for June 8. Postpone our Barbecue from June to an unspecified date in September.

We look forward to the time when we can resume our regular branch functions. It is likely that public health authorities will allow small groups at first with larger public gatherings coming later. Be confident that we will exercise caution as we plan for the eventual restart of branch activities and large group events.

In the meantime, we will keep you informed. Branch 8 has

subscribed to Constant Contact, a new email communication program used by State SIR and several other branches. Manuel Dominguez is taking the lead on the distribution of branch emails using this new program. Manuel's

email is "[email protected]". Please watch for

Manuel's email blasts with news and announcements of interest to our members. I would also like to take a minute to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Dave Perkins, our Email Distribution Coordinator for the past 24 years. In addition to being a past Big Sir (2000) and a Honorary Life Member (2011), Dave has kept us informed and knowledgeable about SIR Branch 8 happenings. Please thank Dave when you have the opportunity. Dave exemplifies the volunteer spirit within our

branch. I would also like to take a minute to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Dave Perkins, our Email Distribution Coordinator for the past 24 years. In addition to being a past Big Sir (2000) and a Honorary Life Member (2011), Dave has kept us informed and knowledgeable about SIR Branch 8 happenings. Please thank Dave when you have the opportunity. Dave exemplifies the volunteer spirit within our branch. We have also been improving sections of the branch website (Sirbr8.com) with updated postings and some light-hearted humor in the new "Amusement Park". I encourage you to check out the website. I know that you have the time to visit the website. Make sure that you and your families remain safe and healthy. During May, we will provide periodic updates. Please monitor your email and our branch website for more information.

Let’s stay apart to stay together

- Steve Schramm, Big Sir

LITTLE SIR SEZ Since luncheons have been cancelled through May. The Speakers Committee will try to reschedule them in 2021. Activity Chairman, stay in touch with your members. A phone conversation or E-mail is usually appreciated. You will receive info on how to do a virtual meeting using Zoom, which may work for the activity. Stay safe and in touch with fellow

SIRS. - Ron Cassano, Little Sir

•

“MAKE NEW FRIENDS FOR LIFE” Editor: Chuck Joyce

2020 WHAT IS SIR?

https://youtu.be/5j5WsiyKp5s

HOW BILL SEES IT:

I hope the weather is good this weekend for my trip to Puerto Backyarda. Parents are beginning to discover that the teacher was not the problem. You thought dogs were hard to train? Check out all the humans that can't sit and stay. I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.

(SIR Bill Phelon)

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sirbr8.com/



https://youtu.be/5j5WsiyKp5s


DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

During the “shelter in place” lock down, the Digital Photo group will be holding “virtual” meetings on third Fridays of the month. Meetings will begin at 10:00 AM. A day or so beforehand, Group members will be sent a link to the meeting. New SIR Branch 8 members interested in digital photography should email the chairman to be placed on our email list. - Bill Phelon, Chair: [email protected], 254-8338, Dave Davis, Vice Chair: [email protected], 838-1753

9 HOLE GOLF

Come join us for some golf and a fun time on Weds., 9:00 AM at Diablo Hills Golf Course..... after the Shelter In Place Order has been lifted !!!

BRANCH 8 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING - MONTEREY CALIF Block these dates on your calendar October 19-21 Mike Frey – [email protected]

ACTIVITIES COORDINATING COMMITTEE

Your ACC team:

( Nick Maufe Ray DeWit Ken Main )

The ACC is working with the activity chairmen, to develop alternate ways (e.g. via

computer technology like ) to stay in touch and keep busy during the "shelter in place" mandate. Continue to monitor your E-mail and our branch website for additional updates.

Here is a link to Contra Costa Health Services for the latest information: https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/frequently-asked-questions








https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/frequently-asked-questions


MOST ACTIVITIES





PUBLIC RELATIONS

Remember the theme from the song "Lonesome Cowboy, "Every Body’s talking bout it?” What reminds me of it starts with a "C," and the second word begins with a "V," and we all know what it means. So much has been, and will be, said that I choose not to spell it out nor

contribute to its reputation. It is a fight we are all, particularly our group, is in! Eventually, we will prevail, but not soon enough. If shopping is still a problem for you? Here is something new: Grocery Businesses open for delivery EXCEPT for TRADER JOES. Your may experience a wait time for some of this service, but

have patience, the service is worth the wait.

Lunardi's 1600 PALOS VERDES MALL,Walnut Creek Nob Hill 2270 OAK GROVE RD,Walnut Creek PanCoast Pizza 1516 S Main St,Walnut Creek Safeway 1972 TICE VALLEY BLVD,Walnut Creek Safeway 600 S BROADWAY,Walnut Creek Safeway 2800 YGNACIO VALLEY RD,Walnut Creek Safeway 710 BANCROFT RD,Walnut Creek Sprouts 1530 GEARY RD, Walnut Creek Trader Joe's 1372 S CALIFORNIA BLVD, Walnut Creek Whole Foods 1333 E NEWELL AVE, Walnut Creek Whole Foods 2995 Ygnacio Valley Rd,Walnut Creek

I want to take this opportunity to single out a few of our members who are doing what they can to keep themselves and us members, occupied with other more positive things to think about and do:

WATCHA BEEN DOIN??? • David Bushnell and Richard Remley are adapting to the

video and internet format by informing us when and how to enjoy Opera.

• Ed Benson, used an innovative idea to keep his most popular SIRS in the Kitchen going, by exchanging favorite, easy, recipes by e-mail. Take a peek at Ed's SIK column for this month's mouth-watering "Beer Cheese recipe!"

• Ron Smith and Judy Smith used Video to continue the friendship and conviviality of Wine Finders one! It was fun, but I drank too much. Peggy always says that! What's new?

• The entire BEC plus guests, including yours truly, for a total of some twenty attendees worked hard at keeping the Branch vitality alive and working well for you. It ain't easy, but they are still on the job! Look at the current www.sirbr8.com website to see the pictures of attendees, except for "yours truly," and I was on time too!

• Chick Lowry's Car Enthusiast Group, was lucky to have the Resident Genius Tom Hodgson set up for an excellent, exciting meeting attended by fifteen members Tom Morhrman reports that it was well-received by all.

• I want to say a word about my friend, and perhaps yours, the one of a kind guy, Ed Cohn! Such a positive, smart, and friendly guy he was. The Virus did not take him in his 92nd year he was too tough for that; however, it did rob him of a chance for his friends to say goodbye correctly over a drink or two at the Greenery which is becoming the last hangout for SIR's to say goodbye at, it seems. Era, Ed's partner, is living with her daughter and is not at all in good shape. Grandaughter is living at Ed's former residence. She is handling his Estate according to his wishes. His book is still available in a limited amount. Let me know if you want a copy, and I will ask. Goodbye Ed...

• IMPORTANT NOTE: The SIR Lobby Store is of course closed. Orders can be processed DIRECTLY to you via the INTERNET ONLY!

NEW! Walnut Creek Neighbor Express matches

volunteers with those in need of grocery delivery.

The City of Walnut Creek has partnered with U.S. Digital Response (USDR), a volunteer-run, non-partisan effort to help connect one neighbor to another to deliver groceries and provide a helping hand to the vulnerable community members during COVID-19. Through the new Walnut Creek Neighbor Express Website:

neighborexpress.org I have used this service and it is OUTSTANDING !

Ed Cohn




If you don't see what your Activity or Committee work has uniquely and innovatively accomplished, tell me about it, I would be happy to publish it or write it up for you. Just let me know.I hope you are well and coping,Tony

LADIES DAY LUNCHEON

•

Luncheon event has been cancelled and all checks received to date will be destroyed. We hope to have a December Ladies Day Luncheon and if we do, it will be a special one to celebrate. Please stay safe and healthy.

Frank Kilarr: [email protected] https://sir.go.customprintcenter.com/ Problems? Call Me!

SUNSHINE REPORT Since the April Hotline Report the Committee has extended wishes for a rapid recovery to Bill Barnard.

The Committee has extended condolences to the Monte Allen and the Ed Cohn families.

Sunshine Committee ([email protected]) - Terry Norton 925-798-6023, Larry Mersmann 925-935-9124

NEW ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER or E- mail

If you change your address, phone

number or E-Mail address, please notify Dennis Mierzwa at (925) 938-5343 or

send him an E-mail at: [email protected].

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE



mailto:[email protected][email protected]

https://sir.go.customprintcenter.com/ Problems?%20Call%20Me!

https://sir.go.customprintcenter.com/ Problems?%20Call%20Me!





ANNUAL JUNE BBQ The BBQ has been postponed till September! All of the checks we have received will not be cashed. Keep checking the Hotline and the Branch Website for the new date. - Dan Crowley, BBQ Chairman, 602-740-6644, or E-mail [email protected]




MAY ACTIVITY CALENDAR

SIR 8 Web Link to Activity Calendar

SIR

This is what

Looks like.


https://www.sirbr8.com/calendar/


SIRS IN THE KITCHEN

Beer Cheese - Something to Munch

Since Sirs in the Kitchen is on hold, it gives the fellow chefs an opportunity to sample beers. Here’s something to

go with it. Try it, you’ll love it.

– Makes about 3½ cups

Ingredients: 16 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 C beer (or non-alcoholic beer)

1 envelop ranch salad dressing mix

2 C (8 oz.) cheddar cheese, shredded

One bag of small traditional tied pretzels, for dipping

Directions: Beat the cream cheese, beer and salad dressing mix in a Cuisinart or

bowl until smooth

Add or stir in the cheddar cheese

Serve at room temperature with the pretzels

Refrigerate leftovers

Stay safe, Executive Chef Ed

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY

The Computer & Technology group is now meeting "virtually" via . At our

Thursday, May 21st meeting (9:30 AM), the presentation topic will be "Algorithms &

Machine Learning" delivered by Dean Steichen. There has been lots of discussion in the

news about automatic decisions made by companies based on their algorithms and

machine learning methods. Dean will help explain what this means and how it is

being used.

You need to be on the SIR Area 16 Computer & Tech email list in order to receive the

necessary Zoom meeting web-link. If you are not already on our email list, send an email request to:

[email protected]

BARGAIN BITES

We miss seeing all of our friends and the conversation. In the interim enjoy your "Curb Side Pick-up Meals", "Door Dash Meals" , "TV Dinners" and "Home Cooked Meals". We look forward to our next get together. Stay In, Stay Safe, and if you must go out, wear your gloves and masks and always scrub your hands good when you return. Everybody knows the routine. Hope to see you soon. Remember- the motto of Bargain Bites - - Good Food! Good Price! Good Friends! And guests are always welcome. This is a really good event to invite friends to introduce them to SIR, but do it early as we often fill up.

If you would like to be placed on the Bargain Bites e-mail list, just send a note to [email protected] and say “Place me on the Bargain Bites List”. Oh yes, include your name. You will receive personal e-mails in advance of the Hotline. Again, thanks for your interest and wonderful support. It makes the effort worthwhile. Chairman Ron Smith 925-314-3066, [email protected] Asst. Chair Ron Maciak 925-357-8005 [email protected]


http://[email protected]/





SIR HIKERS

Our hikes are on the second and last Tuesdays of every month on regional trails - mostly in the east bay. The second Tuesday hike is rated "Easy", the last Tuesday hike is rated "Hard", which means moderate or higher. "Easy" hikes are typically 3 - 5 miles long on flat or gentle trails and usually take about 1.5 - 2.0 hours. "Hard” hikes are moderate to moderate-plus hikes, usually are 5 - 8 miles long, have significant elevation gain, and typically take 2.5 to 3 hours. Hikes start at the trail head at 10:00 a.m., unless otherwise specified in the hike description in the current Hotline.

Popular hikes in the east bay include Mt Diablo, Las Trampas, Tilden, Briones, Joaquin Miller, land of EBMUD (like Kings Canyon), Sibley Volcanic Preserve, Huckleberry Preserve, Morgan Territory, Redwood, Black Diamond Mines, Lafayette-Moraga, Round Valley, Diablo Foothills, regional shorelines, Sunol, municipal open space (like Walnut Creek Lime Ridge), and others. Hikes are picked, reconnoitered, and described by our members acting as hike leaders. The hiker activity chairman and assistant chairman alternate months as hike coordinator. The coordinator provides the hike leader with whatever help he needs, e.g. hike selection, prehike, description for the Hotline, and our Hiker web page. Why do we hike? Some people hike to enjoy the beauty of nature ... some people hike to achieve inner serenity ... some people hike for the physical and mental challenge ... some people hike for the beer at the end of the trail! Our Hiking group invites you to try a hike with us. Have fun, get plenty of exercise, make friends, and experience nature all in one activity. Chairman Dave Davis: [email protected], 925-838-1753 Assistant Chairman Martin Simmons: [email protected], 925 586-270


Mt. Diablo Falls Trail






WINE FINDERS 1

WINE FINDERS 1 HOLDS FIRST VIRTUAL WINE TASTSING IN HISTORY OF SIR! On April 9th we held the first (and likely not the last) Virtual Wine Tasting Activity in SIR Branch 8 and perhaps state wide! The LIVE event was scheduled at the home of Ron and Judy Smith but the mandate of "Shelter in Place" meant it would have to be cancelled. So they decided to poll the group to see who would be interested in a "virtual wine tasting" using . We had 6 SIRs respond "Let's do it" so the date and format were set. Be ready on

April 9 at 6PM with your choice of wine (red or white) and an appetizer. They were reminded that they would be "on TV" so be fully clothed. Everyone logged in without problem and we were off and chatting! Ron Cassano joined us via voice only as he does not have a web cam on his computer and Rob and Gay Laaback signed in with their I-phone. We had good conversations about what we had been doing while "social distancing" and learned Connie Hodgson is making masks on her sewing machine and then donating them. Tony de Losada got some new gardening tools for Peggy, Ron Cassano's family in Spain we're all doing well and he had already planted tomatoes. Ken Belfer and Karen played Gin Rummy for 1 hour every day, Ron and Judy Smith had a large jigsaw puzzle spread out on the dining room table (as did several others). Rob and Gay were faithfully walking the neighborhood. It was really nice seeing and hearing everyone. Surprising how much you miss your friends that you see and socialize with on a regular basis and now nice it was just to sit in front of a screen with them. While all of this was going on we were enjoying our snacks and wine. A quick review of the wines being tasted (consumed) came up with the following: Rob and Gay-2016 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Ron Cassano- 2018 Van Ruitan Sauvignon Blanc Tony and Peggy- 2104 La Grande Cote Red Blend from Paso Robles Ron and Judy- 2016 Hafner Reserve Chardonnay Ken Belfer and Sharon - 2018 Meridian Chardonnay Tom and Connie- 2014 Motto Red Blend They were all winners. We kept the meeting to the Free 40 minute limit on and everyone agreed we would do it again soon. If you are interested in joining one of the three Wine Finders groups, check out the web sites or contact Ron Smith at [email protected] for Group 1, Ron Cassano at [email protected] for Group 2 or Larry McEwen at: [email protected] for Group 3 or we'll help you start your own group. Ron Smith, Chairman Wine Finders 1, Tony de Losada, Asst. Chair






BOOK GROUP

The Book Group discussed “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell on Tuesday, April 7. This meeting occurred via a teleconference. The group overcame our technical challenges with a virtual meeting, and conducted an engaging discussion of Gladwell's sixth book. This nonfiction account addresses communication trends in popular culture. Gladwell delves into our interactions with strangers that often go wrong. He analyzes several contemporary and historical examples of the conflict between our social need to

trust strangers and the pitfalls of assuming that they have good intentions. From Hitler and Chamberlain to Sandra Bland to Bernie Madoff, Gladwell shares interesting situational evidence of the challenges to effectively communicate with strangers. The Book Group rated this book as a 3.35 on a 5-point scale. Members enjoyed the anecdotes that Gladwell explored, but many were suspect of his broad conclusions. In May, we will return to fiction with "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. Nick Maufe is the Activity Chairman of the SIR Book Group. He may be contacted at [email protected]. Are you interested in Model Railroads? Branch 8 is starting a new activity around Model Railroads and this is your chance to participate however you want!

WOODPECKERS

On March 7th Woodpeckers made a field trip to visit the shop of Price Russ in Walnut Creek. As his hobby, Price repairs and restores old watches and clocks (including making the metal parts). His shop is geared mainly to small metalcraft work. However, he does on occasion, build housings for some of the clocks and cases for watches out of wood. He brought an example to the meeting. The members were very impressed and expressed an interest in seeing Price’s shop.

This was an opportunity for us to see woodcraft combined with other materials. Woodpeckers (under normal circumstances) meets on the first Saturday of the month (and other days as decided upon by the members), at 10am at the shop of Thom Watkins. Thom Watkins, Chairman, [email protected], 925.330.3780


mailto:[email protected].



MODEL TRAINS Are you interested in the trains? In running model trains? In designing layouts? In constructing the various buildings and scenery for a model railroad layout? If your answer is YES to any of these please join us. We will find people interested in the various aspects and everyone will do the parts they want. We already have a few people with knowledge and who are willing to contribute and to train others. And we have a place (my garage) and a start on a layout (a 5’6” by 9’6” board). And some track and a basic layout and a train. The first meeting will be on and will be an open discussion of what everyone is interested in doing

(even if it is just watching). To get an invitation please ask me via email at [email protected] If you have a preference let me know when you would most likely attend a meeting. And if you need help with let me know. Rich Knowles, [email protected]

CAR ENTHUSIASTS

Car Enthusiasts continue to tread water in the sea of COVID-19 warfare. We did accomplish a successful meeting on April 7th with a check-in to see how all activity members were coping with the on-going threat of infection and sheltering-in-place. All attending are still healthy and working to reduce boredom. We will move future meetings to where conditions dictate. We attempted to fill in blanks still present in our annual event schedule but without a

lifting of the current restrictions, we are stationary car guys. CE guys will try to put on a group dinner in July, if gathering restrictions are lifted. We are all anxious to return to a normal activity status as soon as possible. The next CE meeting will be Tuesday, May 5th, (if the status has changed regarding quarantine and Sir's guidelines) at 1 PM in the Round Table Pizza meeting room, Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Come a few minutes early to get your food and drink ordered prior to meeting. Meetings usually last about 1 hour. If still in quarantine, we will meet via and the meeting will run about 40 minutes. Come join us, one way or the other. If interested in joining the Car Enthusiasts Activity, please contact any of the folks listed below. Happy Motoring... Activity Chair - Chick Lowry - [email protected], Assistant Chairs:Tom Mohrman - [email protected], Bill Koski - [email protected]




/Volumes/THUNDER%20BOLT/.TemporaryItems/[email protected]




-

HOTLINE EDITORS

Jack Sagen [email protected]

Dan Smith [email protected]

Tom Barnidge [email protected]

COORDINATOR

Chuck Joyce [email protected]

PUBLISHER

Rob Laaback [email protected]

WEB MASTER

Derek Southern [email protected]

HOTLINE E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

Send your articles and photos BEFORE the 20th of the month. Include meeting information & dates for the following month, to keep your group informed about meetings, deadlines and upcoming events. Late reports may not be included in the Hotline.









LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

For the June Hotline, please send any personal, humorous “Quarantine” stories or pictures

to Hotline Coordinator Chuck Joyce at: [email protected].

SIR

THE FIRST WORD YOU SEE IS WHERE YOU ARE

GOING IN MAY

Provided by: Jonathan Korfhage, BR 146



Thank you Helen Stimson for the Humor !

More COVID-19 Inspired Humor



STATE SIR HAPPENINGS

A complete archive is now on the State website at: http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/pastissues.html

RESOURCES FOR OUR MEMBERS, FAMILY & FRIENDS

Held once a month on the SECOND THURSDAY!

Sponsored by the City of Concord and Contra Costa Legal Services. Sixty years of age and older, M/F invited to attend for a 45 Minute personal advice from Attorneys on: Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD). No income requirements. By appointment only! Call Concord Senior Center: 925-671-3320 and sign up. There are six appointments

Mention you are a SIR from Branch 8!

Tony de Losada P & I Chairman

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES:

There's a free non-profit facility in Concord that provides assistance in case of elder abuse (physical or financial), domestic violence or sexual abuse. It's the Family Justice Center at 2151 Salvio St, Room 201 (office building opposite Todos Santos Plaza behind the fountain). Their website is: http://www.cocofamilyjustice.org/ We also have literature about Adult Protective Services run by the county. They have offices in Martinez at 2530 Arnold Dr. #300. To report abuse please call Adult Protective Services at (877) 839-4347.

mowdiabloregion.org (925) 937-8311 Meals on Wheels, Fall Prevention Care Management, Friendly Visitors/Callers

So that No One Faces Cancer Alone

www. cancersupport.net / (925) 933-0107, 3276 McNutt Ave, WC., 94597

(APS)



http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/pastissues.html

http://www.cocofamilyjustice.org/

http://mowdiabloregion.org/



Assistant Webmaster: The principal job of an

Assistant Webmaster (AW) is to help keep the Activity pages up to date. The text for each page is supplied each month by an Activity Chair, and the AW copies the submission into the proper page. This is very similar to using Word and completing a Copy-Paste operation. Some activities provide pictures of members enjoying the activity, these are easily added to the page with the text. We need several AWs as there are probably 30 pages to update each month. Any necessary training will be provided, including written instructions and short demo videos as appropriate. We have a website for new AWs where they can practice until they feel confident – and messing up is irrelevant as nobody else ever sees the mistakes! To discuss just call or email me, Derek Southern: 925-253-1646 or [email protected]

Hotline Editor: Join

our team - editing this newsletter. Some familiarity with Microsoft Word desired. Each month, a different editor updates all of the Activity reports submitted by the Chairmen. Don't worry - we will train and bring you along slowly. Please E-mail Chuck Joyce at: [email protected]

Hotline Coordinator:

Direct our team - editing this newsletter. Familiarity with Microsoft Word a must. Each month, a different editor updates all of the Activity reports submitted by the Chairmen, then forwards all to the Coordinator to embellish. Don't worry - we will train and bring you along slowly. Please E-mail Chuck Joyce at: [email protected]

SIR CLASSIFIED ADS







what is sir? 2020 · trader joes. your may experience a wait time for some of this service, but...

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