Big Sir Sez,
March 2025
By now all of the SIR Branch 8 members should have received, and hopefully opened, an Email regarding the results from the recent LDL survey.
It was terrific that 78% opened the Email, but after opening, only 33% clicked on the survey link, and then 66 of the 71 members completed the survey!
It’s difficult to understand as a membership, that we struggle to obtain at least a 65% – 75% response, with a short survey. I understand that possibly only the members that voted, have been attending the LDL luncheons recently or in the past. They wanted to make their voices heard, the purposed changes will reflect those results.
The BEC will discuss these changes at the upcoming April meeting, eliminating the June LDL lunch ( have a normal monthly luncheon , with speaker) and move to 1 “upscale” / “gala” event in December. Our hope is that more members will give this event a chance, sign up to attend with your spouse, partner or sufficient other. Give it a try!
Keep in mind, anything can be adjusted, “tweaked” or changed, just communicate and participate😉!
Thx for your continuing support,
Tom
Big SIR Branch 8
February 2025
Last week the ACC committee sponsored and held a breakfast meeting with the Activities Chairmen and some BEC members. The meeting had a structured agenda, that had Activity Chairman discussing member participation in their activity and how to increase the interest in that activity.
There was also time allotted for the Chairman to participate in “Breakout Sessions” with a ACC committee member. This was the Best! Unbelievable communication and energy was the hi-lite of the meeting. In fact, they were still going strong when time ran out.
The ACC committee is in the process of compiling all the information form the meeting and “Breakout Sessions “. This information will be summarized and passed on to the Branch.
One item that has come out of the meeting, is the urgency of the membership to update any personal and emergency information with SIR Branch 8 and with any Activity Chairman that you are participating in.
A “Special Thanks” to the ACC Committee (Mike Frey, Ken Main, Dennis Mierzwa, Chick Lowry) for an awesome job of arranging a meeting, that certainly will assist grow our Activity participation and membership.
Are you participating in an Activity? Why not join one today? Thanks for all your support!
Tom
January 2025
In a past Little SIR Hotline article, I had referred to SIR members in BR8 to get involved. We need more participation from the membership to “step up” with assisting in leadership roles. “It’s Your Branch”!
Well, the need is here in 2025 to fill some of these position.
There is an immediate temporary position open to assist our treasurer, Peter Shapiro, with the May and possibly the June luncheons. He will be out of town.
Assistance will be needed to collect funds for the luncheon, record attendance and distribute meal selection. Looking forward, if you have some Excel skills, may turn into an Assistant Treasures position 😉.
The SIR BR8 priority positions include:
Public Relations Chairman & Assistant Chairmen.
With the focus on increasing membership and getting the SIR organization out there, these marketing positions are at the top of our list.
A Constant Contact Directorship / Administrator is needed to assist with the ever growing “Active” Member Email service. Assisting and sharing responsibilities with the Attendance Secretary and Assistant Attendance Secretary, with tasks related to Luncheon Attendance, Sign up Forms, Miscellaneous Emails and Constant Contact Surveys.
Do you like to travel?🙂
A Chairman is needed to “head up” the BR8 Traveling SIR’s activity. Working with another branch helps the activity flow a little easier.
Like to work with computers?🤨
We need an Assistant System Manager to work with Dan Weller on BR8 data and various system aspects.
What an opportunity!
Get involved👍
Thanks for your support!
Tom
December 2024
As 2024 fades out, SIR Branch 8 has recognized and addressed many challenges over the past year. With the leadership of our Big SIR, Rich Carlston, the input and decision making of our BEC committee, the hard work provided by our activity chairmen and the overwhelming participation of our membership, We Had A Good Year😉!
The arrival of 2025 will bring opportunities and changes to grow on the foundation started in 2024. Better communications, acting on the membership survey, having a direction / plan to increase our membership is a start. Opening a dialogue with other Branches, working together, helping to solve our issues and their’s. Listening to and acting on our membership‘s ideas and suggestions, we have a lot of talented individuals in SIR Branch 8😃.
Are You Ready? Let’s Do It👍!
Wishing you and your loved ones, a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays🥗! May this festive Christmas & Holiday Season be filled with love and laughter, bringing warmth to your hearts🎄. Here’s to a wonderful time celebrating with those dear to you and creating lasting memories. “Cheers”🥂 to a bright and thriving New Year filled with joy🎆!!
Tom
November 2024
It seems hard to believe that this is my last Big Sir Article. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to discuss our Branch matters with you. As I considered this article, one thought prevailed: This is my last opportunity to share “jokes” with everyone. So, here goes:
Why did Rudolph get a bad report card? Because he went down in history.
Why should the number 288 never be mentioned? It’s two gross.
Why did the elves ask the turkey to join the band? Because he had the drum sticks!
Why was the math book sad? Because it had so many problems.
How much do rainbows weigh? Not much. They’re actually pretty light.
Why did the snail paint a giant S on his car? So when he drove by, people could say: “Look at that S car go.
Why do mummies like Christmas so much? Because of all the wrappings.
What word can you make shorter by adding two letters? Short.
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
Hope you liked at least one of those. But if not, I know you will like and appreciate Tom’s leadership next year!!
So, I’ll end with just one more: Where do old Big Sir’s go … to the back of the room with a big smile.
Best Always!!
Rich
October 2024
It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of 2024. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it is a good time to think about those many things for which we should be thankful. While we live in a world filled with political and cultural divisions, war and strife, we need not be impacted by these matters. Rather, our world can evolve around our friends and families. We need only consider these relationships and the freedoms we have to begin to see the vast extent of that for which we should be thankful. I believe it is important to pause and recognize and express gratitude during this season. And I hope you do.
One of the things I’m thankful for is SIR and the many friends and opportunities that it provides. As I approach the conclusion of my time as Big Sir, I look back and think how fortunate I am to have been given the opportunity to serve our branch, to get to know and work closely with our leadership team and to get to know all of you. What incredible people we have in this Branch. Talented, dedicated, active, resourceful, willing to lend a helping hand and above all dedicated to each other and the standards and mission of SIR. Thank you for letting me serve you.
Also, as I step from the role of Big Sir, I am thankful that Tom DiGrande will step into that role. I have seen and experienced Tom’s dedication, commitment, leadership and friendship over the past year. He is an incredible person and will be an incredible Big Sir. Under his guidance, our Branch will continue to grow and thrive. Thank you, Tom, for everything you do. You have been an inspiration to me and others.
Finally, I want to thank our entire leadership team. It is not often that you get the chance to work with such outstanding individuals. Day in and day out, they have been there to not only complete, but to excel at their jobs and tasks. They stand ready to handle the problems and challenges experienced by the Branch. Because of their dedicated efforts, Branch 8 is respected as one of the leading branches within the State organization. My sincere thanks to each of you!
Life is a journey, and I’m pleased to be making that journey with each of you. Best Always and Thank You!
Rich
Little Sir Sez,
March 2025
As Little SIR, my basic active function other than backing up the big SIR, is to ensure that this organization is running smoothly. So, when we tore apart the audio-visual arrangement at the luncheon, that’s not right and action is required to prevent this happening again. Also, when the laptop’s battery died, ending the speaker’s slide show, that is an issue that demands a fix. Our speaker, John Mercurio of East Bay Regional Parks did not let our issues bother him. When the system failed because of the battery, he shifted into questions and answers, which worked well for the members. Afterwards, we are addressing the issues behind these faults to prevent this happening again. This includes ensuring the those seated in the back of the room can hear the presentation. Yes, we apologized to John, who has been very gracious about this and may
even join in with our hikers.
The branch is also dealing with the Ladies Day Luncheon arrangements, which will be discussed by Big SIR, Tom De Grande. Naturally, Tom has my support on this matter. We hope to make this a better, go to type of event.
It is, of course, the activities that give this organization purpose. We use our website,
https://www.sirbr8.com/, and our newsletter, the Hotline which is accessible within the website, to get the word out. These sources can be easily viewed by members as well as by visitors who may have interest in joining us. We want to attract those visitors and give them the opportunity to join us. They may want to join an activity like a hike. We encourage that as an introduction to what we do. Or they may want hear a certain speaker at a luncheon. I am aware from having been editor for the Hotline, that not all activities receive equal billing. This is really a function of how diligent the chairman is about updating what is happening. And the updates are a function of how often the activity gets together. Frequency is not an issue.
What was an issue, and has been addressed by the Activities Coordinating Committee, is
whether the articles describing the activities had become stale. Or if updates were being
published in the Hotline. Submitting your articles to Hotline@Sirinc3.org provides us with this valuable information, both for the Hotline and the website. Also, if you in your activity do something that is worth taking a picture, we would like for you to share that.
Finally, our speaker in April will be member Roger Lamm, who will be talking about the National Geographic Before Television. I figure that many of us recall families having libraries of National Geographic magazines and that very old articles could become interesting again.
Best,
Dan Smith – Little Sir
February 2025
I am curious as to whether any of our members might join the Contra Costa County Search and Rescue team. We heard Jon Kalan talk about this organization, which is all volunteer and some 200 members strong. Certainly, there are physical qualifications to be met. I felt that Jon gave a very thorough explanation of what SAR does, including a couple of case experiences. Jon was a little frustrated with us because we could not get the audio for his videos working on our new laptop. But, as Jon did his presentation, I do not believe that this issue was evident.
Our March speaker will be John Mercurio, a director with the East Bay Regional Parks.
Last month I spoke of the videos were made of each of the four sessions of our recent End of Life (ELP) presentations. The Branch intends to make these videos available after they are edited. Look for this, soon. Our intent is to help membership become aware of the choices they have for living arrangements as we age. I am certainly aware that most of us, the statistics state 95%, want to live our lives out in our homes. We are not the only organization providing this information, as the various senior centers in our community also delve into this. The point is we should all have a game plan in mind as we age.
That brings me to another point. When we contact membership about dues, we inevitably find that some of us are dealing with a health issue or they our taking care of a loved one dealing with an issue. Also, we see each other at the luncheons and/or at the activities we pursue. When someone falls out, we get concerned about their wellbeing. We would like to know about your situation. Letting the chairman of the activities you participate in or Membership Secretary, Rich Knowles (grichthek@gmail.com) know is always appreciated. After all, this was one of the motivating forces behind ELP.
Best, Dan Smith – Little Sir
January 2025
I hope you got to listen to our speaker, Andrew Parrott, talk about the various factors one may consider with the market going forward. It was interesting that so much of the current market growth has been vested in a small group of hi-tech companies. I heard Andrew refer to them as the “magnificent seven.” Whatever, Andrew did provide us with a parallel report titled “The Great Moderation: Riding a Wave of Economic Stability.” If you would like a copy of this report, whether you attended the luncheon or not, email me at dns.lns02@astound.net.
I learned a lesson in the face of this luncheon. Boundary Oak was starting to serve lunch and our speaker had not shown up. I was getting worried. What a way to start out being Little SIR. Andrew arrived just in time, as he was targeting noon. My lesson, make sure I communicate when to arrive to our speakers.
There is another lesson stemming from a current event involving the Branch that I will share with all. Videos were made of each of the four sessions of our recent End of Life presentations. The Branch intends to make these videos available after they are edited. Unfortunately, one file was lost in this process. It is being remade, at a cost, so that we will have the complete set. The lesson for all of us is, “back it up.” We are dealing with Murphy who has a cruel but wise hand. This Murphy Law is, “Whatever you really value will be lost.” Whenever you do something in this wonderful electronic world of ours, make sure that you back it up.
Our next speaker will be Jon Kalan, representing the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team (CoCoSAR). The CoCoSAR team consists of about 200 professionally trained searchers under the direction of the Contra Costa County Sheriff Emergency Services Division. The team is made up of unpaid volunteers with extensive, specialized search & rescue and medical training. Would you want to join them? Come to the luncheon and listen.
Best,
Dan Smith – Little Sir
December 2024
It was time. I had been coordinator for the Hotline for several years. I was also assisting Manuel Dominguez with attendance including relieving him of several duties. Ray de Wit was reaching out to membership, searching for our next Little SIR. I had been asked before, but had declined because of my effort in support of the Hotline. I told Ray that I would be willing to take this on, provided we could find a member to relieve me of my current roles. I reached out to our three editors (Davis Glazer, Steve Moore, and Chris Wehling) and Chris volunteered for the Hotline. Ray reverted with John Vallor as being willing to take on being Assistant Membership Secretary. OK, I was committed. My only regret in giving up my editor role is that I did not get to rename our newsletter, “Senior Moments.” Yes, I can be corny.
Time has been spent ensuring that both Chris and John understand the roles they are taking on. They both show that they have the capability to do this. I thank them for stepping up. Here’s the point, SIR operates best when we all pitch in to help. We realize that there becomes a point in time that this is not feasible; we like to see you participate. After all, SIR to me is a community just like we have been involved in other communities during our lives. And when we get involved in our communities, we get more out of it. I hope that you that read this, and are able, likewise volunteer and find a role that is rewarding.
As Little SIR I will be involved with finding speakers for our luncheons. That and being there to assist or stand in for our Big SIR Tom DiGrande are my primary roles. We have State SIR, comprised of members from all branches, that are committed to keeping the organization successful and to supporting all that take on any of our many roles. Our branch has a Speakers Committee in support of me, consisting of Tom DiGrande, Tom Doll, Leo Dominguez, Steve Schramm and myself. If you as a member have a suggestion for someone that you think would be a worthwhile speaker, these are the guys to reach out to. I will also recognize and thank Tony de Losada for supporting this committee, one of his many roles.
Our speaker for January will be Andrew Parrott, who will be presenting on the subject 2025 Market Outlook. Andrew comes to us by way of our activity “$UMS in Retirement.” This is, of course, our investment group and the subject should be timely considering the recent election. We will have as a visitor Tom Henry of Branch 174, who our Dave Sutton supports in chairing this activity.
I will appreciate your support as I take on this role. I hope to have fun with you guys. Bear with me if I get corny.
Dan Smith – Little SIR
dns.lns02@astound.net 925-588-6792
November 2024
As 2024 fades out, SIR Branch 8 has recognized and addressed many challenges over the past year. With the leadership of our Big SIR, Rich Carlston, the input and decision making of our BEC committee, the hard work provided by our activity chairmen and the overwhelming participation of our membership, We Had A Good Year😉!
The arrival of 2025 will bring opportunities and changes to grow on the foundation started in 2024. Better communications, acting on the membership survey, having a direction / plan to increase our membership is a start. Opening a dialogue with other Branches, working together, helping to solve our issues and their’s. Listening to and acting on our membership‘s ideas and suggestions, we have a lot of talented individuals in SIR Branch 8😃.
Are You Ready? Let’s Do It👍!
Wishing you and your loved ones, a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays🥗! May this festive Christmas & Holiday Season be filled with love and laughter, bringing warmth to your hearts🎄. Here’s to a wonderful time celebrating with those dear to you and creating lasting memories. “Cheers”🥂 to a bright and thriving New Year filled with joy🎆!!
Tom
last updated 03/23/2025 by MLF
