In This May 2026 Edition…
Message from the Big Sir p1
Special Event – Lady’s Dinner p4
Upcoming Speakers p6
May Birthdays p7
Quick reference for Br 77 contacts p8
Notice about photography p8
Theater and bowling p9
Calendar of Events p10
We need a Big Sir p10
Celebrate May Day p11
Weekly and Monthly Sirs Activities p13
Message From the Big Sir, Donald Ronalter
Membership Updates
We are asking all members to help get new members to join our branch. We have
found over many years that your friends are the best references, every time.
Also, based on the facility rental and catering costs we need you and new
members attending our monthly meetings, so we break even (~64 paid lunches)
and don’t lose money at meetings.
May is our Lady’s Day Event
Please read John’s updates in the newsleWer about our upcoming Lady’s Day
Dinner. This is the 7th year that we are inviXng all ladies to wear their favorite or
special hats/bonnets to the event. And for extra fun, we encourage them to join
our annual Ladies Hat Contest. 1st place is 2 free Xckets for the September Picnic,
2nd place is 2 free Xckets for the December Holiday Dinner, and 3rd place is a
boWle of premium wine. More info to follow.
June Speaker Update
Over the past few years Insurance, and specifically Home Insurance has become a
serious issue. Not only the outrageous premium increases but outright
cancellaXons of policies. Also, many have responded to insurance companies
demanding very expensive fire safety improvements to structures and property,
only to have policies cancelled. Our speaker is an expert from the CA Department
of Insurance that can directly address many issues and specifically how the FAIR
Plan addressed those issues.
New MeeBng and Lunch ReservaBon Updates
We are rolling out our new reservaXon system in June. You will use this new
system to noXfy us of your aWendance at the next luncheon meeXng. Most have
successfully tested the new form over several months with no issues. All SIR
Branch 77 Members you must submit this Lunch RegistraXon Email Form one
week before our next Thursday MeeXng (in June) with an opXon to also register
your guests names This will save many hours each month entering the registraXon
informaXon manually, that unfortunately creates errors on who has a lunch
reservaXon and who is excused.
Step One – confirm your contact informaXon.
- Email address
- First name
- Last Name
- Badge number
Step Two – record your aWendance and order your meal.
Are you aWending? (Mark only one oval.)
o NO ,Sorry I can’t make this one
o YES, ordering $25 Monthly Entree
o YES, ordering $25 Fish OpXon
o YES, ordering 15 Dinner Salad OpXon
Step Three – are you bringing a guest? $25 Monthly entrée only.
o Enter their name here.
Aher submiing your form, you will immediately receiver a confirmaXon email, so
you know you are registered.
Changes Happen: If your plans change before the meeXng, you can go back to the
original email and resubmit your new reservaXon details and correcXons. We will
only register the most recent reservaXon you submit.
What does the BIG SIR do?
The Big Sir is the chief executive officer of each branch (501(c)4 CA Corporation)
registered with the Secretary of State. He leads all of the branch affairs, subject to
SIR State Bylaws Policies and Procedures, Branch regulations, and the control of
the Branch Executive Committee. Specific duties are
- Schedule and Hold 12 Monthly Branch Executive Committee (BEC) meetings
with Branch officers and directors (agenda available) - Schedule and Hold 9 regular monthly meetings luncheons (agenda available)
- Schedule and Hold 3 events Lady’s Day, Picnic & Xmas (agenda available)
- Confirm and complete installation of Branch Officers, Directors, Committee
Chairs approved by BEC - Confirm and complete installation of new Branch Members approved by BEC
- Ensure all SIR State reports get submitted in a timely manner. They are:
- Forms 63/64 Reporting Branch Caterers: Big Sir
- Form 20 Reporting Branch Officers and Committee Chairs: Secretary or
Designate - Forms 28/29 Reporting Branch Monthly Finances and Annual Audit:
Treasurer - January each year send current SIR State Branch 77 Activity Approval Form
for insurance coverage of our sponsored like hiking or golf: Big Sir - August each year the BEC approves the next year’s Executives, Officers,
Directors, and Committee Chairs sent to SIR State: Secretary or Designate.
SIR State has a 6-pager report “Schedule of Branch Operations” that has
detailed requirements for each month for the Branch Leaders: Big Sir, Little
Sir, Secretary, Treasurer. We also have templates for the BEC Meetings,
and the Branch Membership Meetings. Just let us know if you want copies.
Thanks
Lady’s Day Dinner – Thursday, May 14,
Sonora Elks Lodge
The Fabulous Mindy Lancaster
Cocktail Reception
3:00 pm
Prime Rib, Salmon, or Chicken
Picada dinner
4:00pm
Lady’s Hat Contest
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place
6:00ish
Grand Prize Raffle Drawing
After lady’s hat contest
Yes, it’s finally here (almost). We have been looking forward to this event for
months now. I hope you have heeded my earlier warnings and have already
purchased your tickets! Due to limitations by the caterer, our cut-off for
purchasing additional tickets ends on May 1.
Special seating – We did not plan on making special seating arrangements for this
event. However, we realize that you may want to sit with your guests and friends.
The event will be setup for 10 tables; each table will accommodate 8 people. You
may come early to the event and place name placards for your guests at your
table, or you may contact me in advance, and I will try and accommodate your
request. Please provide me with the names of your guests and I will in turn inform
you of your table number. You do not have to have a table of 8 for me to reserve
a table for you. If you have less than 8 people, I will sit you and your guests at
another table to be shared by others up to 8 persons.
Raffle prizes – Both Black Oak Casino and the Chicken Ranch have provided us
with fantastic prizes for the raffle drawing. Black Oak Casino is offering dinner at
the Seven Sisters restaurant up to $150; your choice of either a nights’ lodging in
a deluxe room at the Casino hotel or a nights’ lodging at their premiere RV Park;
and $25 in casino cash. The Chicken Ranch is offering a similar venue with a gift
basket; dinner voucher at the Perch restaurant; and a night’s stay at the hotel.
How the raffle works – you have the option of purchasing raffle tickets for either
or both grand prizes at the event. Raffle tickets for Black Oak Casino are red in
color and tickets for the Chicken Ranch will be blue in color. The costs of either
ticket is $10, and you may get three tickets for $20, or six tickets for $40. Only red
tickets will be drawn for Black Oak Casino and only blue tickets will be drawn for
the Chicken Ranch.
You are not required to bring special gifts for this event. Unlike previous ladies’
day events where we asked you to bring a gift to be raffled off later, we opted
instead to go with just the two main raffle items. So just bring your charm and an
appetite to this event. Dress code is business casual.
(From “Habits of men who age well”) Get regular health checkups. You’re not
bulletproof, no matter how you feel. Don’t be the guy who waits until something
hurts badly enough to see a doctor. Regular check-ups catch small problems
before they become big ones. Blood work, screenings, and honest conversations
with your doctor beat ignoring things and hoping for the best.
Upcoming Speakers
First of all, a big thank you to our
Tuolumne County Sheriff David
Vasquez for joining us at our April
luncheon.
We are so fortunate to have David
Vasquez as our sheriff. With his
experience, background, and
leadership skills and management
vision I’m sure any county would feel
privileged to have him. We are so lucky
he chooses to serve and protect where
we live.
There will be no speaker for the May Ladies Dinner event. Just one of our
planned three fun filled activities where we can invite our ladies to be our guests.
California Fair Plan
Anyone have homeowners’ insurance
concerns? Living in the wooded
mountains with the possibility of fires
and/or floods has become a major
concern for all property owners in the Motherlode area. Our June guest speaker
is an expert from the CA Department of Insurance that can directly address many
issues and specifically how the FAIR Plan addresses those issues.
When you need quick emergency health services…are your prepared? Our July
speaker will be from PHI Cares? PHI provides emergency helicopter transportaXon
services. If the 911 dispatcher or emergency personnel determine the paXent
requires an air medical transport, they will request an air ambulance. This is
something that every senior resident in the Motherlode should consider having.
How’s your heart doing? At the end of August this year the
unthinkable happened to me…I had a heart attack. All four of
my arteries were so severely impaired that I needed open
heart bypass surgery. My life has not been the same since. For
August, our guest speakers will be Christin Slocum and Lori
Steigenga from Alexian Brothers Hospital’s cardiac
rehabilitation group. We’re going to do some exercises and
find out how you can take better care of your heart. Your life
depends on being there.
If you know of someone who would make a good speaker, please contact our
speaker chair, Joe Domogalla at (209) 532-6295.
(From “Habits of men who age well”) Prioritize Daily Movement. Your body isn’t
meant to be parked all day. Even short walks, gentle stretches, or quick home
workouts make a difference. They keep your joints happier, help with digestion,
and stop you from feeling like you’re twice your age. Feeling stiff and tired? That’s
your body asking for movement. Don’t overcomplicate it—just stay in motion.
Happy Birthday to You
Please join the BEC in wishing the following SIRS a very happy May birthday.
Cyril Ashe, 5/24, 77
Ronald Copps, 5/20, 83
Tim Hollenbeck, 5/8, 77
Gordan Kavanaugh, 5/11, 96
Rich Rinaldi, 5/26, 83
Richard Robenseifner, 5/13, 79
Steve Shaw, 5/15, 67
Ronald Sisco, 5/15, 84
(From “Habits of men who age well”) Know when to say no. You’re not helping
anyone by being spread too thin. Saying yes to everything is a fast track to
burnout. Healthy boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re how you stay useful, focused,
and sane. Ask yourself if you really have the time and energy before agreeing to
something. If you don’t, say no. Simple as that.
Quick Contact Reference for Sirs Branch 77
Big Sir, Donald Ronalter, 209-984-9383
Treasurer & Newsletter, John White, 408-355-5991
Secretary, Mike Coe, 209-769-3413
Propane Chair, Craig Hempler, 209-588-1096
Golf Chair, David Siudzenski, 925-915-9877
Bowling Chair, Rick Bronner, 408-318-4826
Speaker Chair, Joe Domogalia, (209) 532-6295
Branch Relations Chair*, Derle Davis, 925-234-5742 & email goldcoin3@aol.com
Postal address: 222 Barretta St., #14, Sonora, CA 95370
Sirs email: Sierrasir77@gmail.com
- The Branch Relations Chair is responsible for reaching out to our Sir members
who are experiencing something unfortunate in their life and upon request will
send a sympathy notice or get-well card.
Notice of Photography, Recording, and Filming
By your presence at our luncheon and other Sirs activities and events, you
acknowledge that you are aware that you may be photographed, recorded, or
filmed for advertising and other purposes. By your presence you acknowledge
that you have given us your consent for your likeness and voice to be included
without compensation, credit, or other consideration. If you do not wish to be
photographed, recorded, or filmed, then you should leave the event immediately.
Thank you for your cooperation.
(From “Habits of men who age well”) Pain isn’t weakness. Pain isn’t weakness.
It’s information. That nagging backache or constant fatigue isn’t something to just
“man up” about. Rest when you need it. Stretch. Get checked out if something
doesn’t feel right. Ignoring the signs doesn’t make you tough. It just sets you up
for bigger problems.
(From “Habits of men who age well”) Know when to say no. You’re not helping
anyone by being spread too thin. Saying yes to everything is a fast track to
burnout. Healthy boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re how you stay useful, focused,
and sane. Ask yourself if you really have the time and energy before agreeing to
something. If you don’t, say no. Simple as that.
Off to the Theatre we go!
Where you aware that our local Sirs
branches have a theatre group? Not only
can you go to the theatre with some fun
people, but we are also able to provide
you with a special ticket price of $32
(versus the online price of $57). Any SIR
77 member interested in getting in the”
Sierra Repertory Theater” group email list
please send your email address to Dave
Tibbets at tibbetsdavid2@gmail.com. We always reserve 40 seats for our
members. We mostly go to 2:00pm matinees on a Thursday or Sunday. The plays
are performed at either the East Sonora Theater on Mono Way or The Fallon
House in Columbia. When you get on my list, I will send all the information
regarding times, location, payment procedures and cut-off dates. All payments
are run through Twain Harte SIR 172. I have been facilitating this activity for the
last three years and it is an absolute blast. Please join us and enjoy the best
entertainment value in the motherlode.
Bowling – Where it’s good to “Strike Out”
The Sirs Summer Bowling League has started. They play at the Black Oak Casino
on Mondays at 12:30 PM. Practice starts around
12:20 PM. Although the league has started, it’s not
too late to join in the fun! There are plenty of
openings if you would like to bowl for the rest of the
Summer. It’s a lot of fun and you can bring a guest to
bowl with you. All skill levels are welcome plus it’s
100% handicapped.
Even if you’ve never bowled, we can help you get
started. Make some new friends and get some
exercise. Come early next Monday to get signed up
and pick out a ball. Please contact Rick at 408-318-4826 or the League Secretary
Arleen Williams at 209-586-5370 if you’re interested
Calendar of Events for May 2026
Dinner Lady’s Day Dinner, May 14, 3pm
Bowling Every Monday at Black Oak Casino, 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Pinochle Every Monday at the Sonora Senior Center at noon, contact Bill Lewis,
(209) 604-6304 for further information
Hiking Every Friday, date and place to be determined see Weekly & Monthly
Activities
Golf Once a month, see Weekly & Monthly Activities or contact the golf
chairman for further details.
Please refer to the Weekly & Monthly Sirs Activities section for more events and
details (last page).
We need a Big Sir…are you available?
Our current Big Sir is Donald Ronalter; he is a fantastic Big Sir; and we love and
appreciate him dearly. Donald has been our Big Sir for several years and has
informed the leadership that he cannot continue in this capacity for next year.
The Sirs organization never intended for a member to serve as the Big Sir
indefinitely. Unless we find a replacement Big Sir for 2027, our branch will shut
down.
Of the 121 members in our branch, 28 members are under the age of 71. Now it
doesn’t mean that you can’t serve as a Big Sir over age 71, but rather that we
have a rather large senior population (77%) as compared to younger men (23%).
I understand that many of you have held leadership positions in various
organizations or businesses and serving in leadership now seems like something
you might not want to do. I’m with you on that entirely. As a retired CPA, the last
thing I wanted to do was to compile financial records. But when asked to be your
treasurer, my first thought was, “am I gifted to do this?” That was a “Yes.” My
next thought was, “Am I available?” Again, that was a “yes” too. Getting back into
the leadership has been an absolute blessing for me and I think it could be for you too.
Perhaps its time for you to “get off the sidelines and get back in the game as
well?”
When I stepped down from leadership in other positions, I heard “We want to
keep doing what John has been doing.” That’s managing. There’s nothing wrong
with that but there is little to no growth. Leadership embodies thinking out of the
box; taking risks; having a vision of what we could be and how to get there.
Passion drives both commitment and continuing on. What I want you to consider
is…am I willing to be a leader? Am I available? Do I consider this task to be a
burden or a blessing to the organization. Many of you have the talent, training,
and experience to be a Big Sir. Moreover, Donald isn’t going anywhere and will be
there to support you. The question is…am I available?
Celebrate May Day
May Day (May 1) celebrates the return of spring! Traditionally, it was the
halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice! As with many
early holidays, May Day was rooted in agriculture. Springtime festivities filled with
song and dance celebrated the sown fields starting to sprout. Cattle were driven
to pasture, special bonfires were lit, and the doors of houses and livestock were
decorated with yellow May flowers. I
n the Middle Ages, the Gaelic people celebrated the festival of Beltane, which
means “Day of Fire.” People created large bonfires and danced at night
to celebrate. May Day has a long history and tradition in England, some of which
eventually came to America. Children would dance around the maypole, holding
onto colorful ribbons. People would “bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers
and green branches, weaving floral hoops and hair garlands, and crowning a May
king and queen.
Did you ever dance around the maypole as a child? Wrapping a maypole with
colorful ribbons is a joyous tradition that still exists in some schools
and communities.
12
Initially, the maypole was a living tree chosen from
the woods with much merrymaking. Ancient Celts
danced around the tree, praying for the fertility of
their crops and all living things! For younger people,
there was the possibility of courtship. If a young
woman and man paired by sundown, their
courtship continued so that the couple could get to
know each other and, possibly, marry 6 weeks later
on June’s Midsummer’s Day. This is how the “June
wedding” became a tradition.
In the Middle Ages, all villages had maypoles. Towns would compete to see who
had the tallest or best maypole. Over time, this Old English festival incorporated
dance performances, plays, and literature. People would crown a “May
Queen” for the day’s festivities. When we were traveling through Germany, we
came across a strange looking tree on the top of the hill. We thought it may be a
park and I began to drive down the road to it. Well, it wasn’t a road but a
driveway and when we reached the top a group of young men came out to great
us and celebrate their Maypole. This was a large maypole. It consisted of a
telephone pole with a cross beam and hanging from each side of the crossbeam
was an undecorated Christmas Tree!
Ever heard of the May baskets? People would leave a paper basket or cone
containing spring flowers and sweets on each other’s doorsteps,
usually anonymously. The custom was to knock on the door, yell, “May basket!”
and then run. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss. I
remember doing this as a kid. We would make paper baskets and fill them with
some hard candy. Then go to the door, place the basket on the porch, ring the bell
and when the door opened yell “May basket” then run as fast as I could. It’s a
tradition I kept in my family to this very day. May Day is the day that my wife and
daughters all get a May Basket…and yes they have to run and catch me to keep it!
Have you put together your May Basket for your sweetheart?
Weekly and Monthly Sirs Activities
There are three Sirs branches in the Motherlode and we all share in common
activities with one another. All SIR members are welcome to join in any other
local branch activity. Many items are for couples and guests, so please contact the
Event Chair.
Area Big Sir’s
#77 Donald Ronalter 984-9383
#136 Rick Bronner 408-318-4826
#172 Glenn Arlands 415-385-3509
Activity Branch Activity Chair Telephone (209)
Biking Yes 172 Steve Happel
2nd Tuesday each month
768-4250
Bowling Yes 136 Rick Bronner 408-318-4826
Car Club Yes 136 Rick Bronner 408-318-4826
Fishing Yes 136 Chuck Simons 532-9550
Golf
No
No
77
136
David Siudzinski
Raul Santana
925-915-987
925-451-7351
Hiking Yes 77 Mike Clay (moderate hike)
Every Friday
588-1345
Horseshoes
Yes 172 Rich Brandau
Last Thursday each month
352 4320
Kayak Yes 172 Steve Happel 4th Tuesday each
month
768-4250
Pinochle No 172 Bill Lewis 209-604-6304
RV Travel Yes 136 Eddie Toews 532-3970
Tech/Computer Yes 172 Dick Chimenti 677-7070
Theatre Yes 172 Dave Tibbets 532-2453
Travel
Yes
Yes
Yes
172
143
Charles Luke
Bill Stires (Modesto)
533-3686
988-5445
146 Glenn Breslin (Walnut Creek) 925-788-6520
Some notes about these activities relating to Branch 77
Branch 77 HIKING: Chair Mike Clay (588-1345) A hike scheduled every week on a
Friday. It is a day hike of moderate difficulty, generally between 8 and 12 miles for
the full distance but shorter options are nearly always possible. Hikes are usually
14
somewhere along the 108 corridors. Details of the destination are not announced
until Monday or Tuesday beforehand.
Branch 77 GOLF:
Chair Dave Siudzinski (925-915-9877) dayesudz@gmail.com
18358 Zeni Lane, Tuolumne CA 95379. A golf tournament scheduled each month
and the tournament is open to all players with a NCGA handicap.
For more information, please contact the Golf Chairman.
SIR Sonora Branch 77 