Monthly messages from your Big Sir & Little Sir

Big Sir Sez,

February 2026

Big SIR

We started out our luncheons for 2026 with really good attendance.  Frankly it was because we had 7 applicants and 8 guests, all but one who had not joined us before.  Applicants are inducted at an orientation after the luncheon.  Guests are checking us out and will hopefully also join.  Thank you, guys, for joining us.

A goal for our luncheons is to have interesting and entertaining speakers.  Frankly, that can be easier said than done.  Our speakers are basically volunteering their time.  Their associations are usually the source for what they have to say.  We like to have recommendations.  And we want variety so as to make you think.  They are not to be political, religious, or to engage in fundraising.  Overall, I think we are doing well.  Sometimes, one can be boring.  If we miss our mark for our goal, I’ll apologize.  We accept the criticism and look to do better and better.  We held a meeting after this last luncheon, which had strong interest from membership.  There were 15 of us rather than the usual 6 or so.  When you make recommendations and we listen, that is how we get better and better.

Our next luncheon will be our first buffet service with Boundary Oak and will offer Meat Loaf with gravy and Cannelloni Four Cheeses with Spinach, but no fish service.  I was concerned as to whether we had to control what we selected from the buffet and I checked.  Angelique stated, “With the buffet, they can eat whatever they want. If they want 2 pieces of cannelloni and meat loaf with the vegetables and potatoes, that’s fine. We have staff that overlooks to make sure we don’t completely run out.”  If you are concerned about being able to serve yourself at a buffet, you will be served by staff if you sit at a mobility limited table.  If you choose to sit elsewhere with a friend, then ask your friend.  The buffet will be set up in the bar area.  We can circulate through the doors.  It will make sense if I call out table numbers so we don’t have a line coming out of the bar area.

We communicate about what we do with the Hotline and with our website.  Chris Wehling has simplified the Hotline by limiting the articles therein to those that report upon a current event.  Otherwise, the index has links to our website for those activities that rely upon generic descriptions.  This makes the Hotline much more to the point and readable.  It also puts the onus on the website to maintain the descriptions of the activities in good order.  Actually, that onus has always been there.  How many of us, including myself, came into this organization by first visiting this website.  The Activity Chairman, when he writes and submits his article, is doing every thing he can for us when he writes something that creates interest with a visitor.  And, we do not want to leave an article on the website so long that it becomes stale or dated.

We are always looking for new ideas.  We also want to know if we have an issue.  If you have something you want to say, please email me.  No promises, but I am usually pretty good at steering this to the right person.  As with any suggestion, we will endeavor to do what is best for the branch.

Dan Smith

Big SIR

January 2026

First, I want to thank Tom DiGrande for mentoring me throughout 2025.  Tom has been an effective Big SIR and has accomplished much for the branch during his term.  This I will address at the luncheon.  Working with Tom during the process taught me much.  Tom led by example.  Mentoring works well that way.  When handed over you have faith the next will carry on well using their own head.  That is my goal.  You can too.  You guys are smart and any of you can do this.

We have initiated change.  And a new year gets to celebrate the changes, especially when they work well.  The branch needed change.  We need to offer good reason to take part in our luncheons, to take part in the activities.  We must be diligent in doing the best that we can.

Ending 2025 we had a Holiday Gala.  The Ladies Day Luncheons needed new life.  We opted to have this one gala in lieu of the two luncheons.  We were concerned that the change would turn the membership off.  Having a goal of 100 participants was well exceeded by the 128 guests.  And we had fun!  Once we could identify with the music, the dance floor came to life!  Especially for the gals.  At one point, later, after the gals appeared to worn the guys out, the dance floor was occupied by all gals and one member.  Brave soul!

Consider that having that dance floor with the music made the party fun.  Note that we almost filled the room.  We will learn what Boundary Oak can accommodate, whether it is 150 guests or whatever.  The point is in 2026 as membership learns how fun this gala was, suggest sign up early else you may end up on a wait list.  And our single guys or welcome, too.   I don’t think that our members that have set down will mind if you want to dance.  Just ask him.

There will be other changes in 2026.  I wrote about changing the menu last month.  Boundary Oak has listened.  They have shared a preliminary menu for the first six months that includes buffets in February and April.  I look forward to this and hope you do, too.

Our much beleaguered by the weather BBQ and Oktoberfest is being reviewed by its committee.  We do not know what they will propose; it will differ.  My suggestion has been to find a venue where we can be both inside and out.  That way we can have the best of both worlds.  Watch for what comes.

The booth that we manned at Clayton’s Oktoberfest encouraged us.  It was a lot of work, especially for our chairman Greg Konsavage.  What makes it all worthwhile is the support provided by the members.  Mixing and mingling with strangers can be fun, especially if you like what you are doing.  We don’t want to ask this of you of anything that is continuous like a farmer’s market.  But if Greg finds a worthwhile venue in the Spring, that is important to us.  We want the area to be aware of who we are and what we do.

Dan Smith

Big SIR

November 2025

 

Little Sir Sez,

 

In the Big SIR message, Dan pretty much laid it out with reference to the speaker situation. We are bound to hit some and miss some. We can’t please everybody all of the time. Our aim is to please almost everybody all of the time. I know, I stole a version of that quote, but you get the point.

The Speakers Committee meeting after the January Luncheon inspiring. There around 15 members there to voice their thoughts and suggestions.

There were several members that offered to give presentations themselves. We decided to have a “Core Group” consisting of the Little SIR, Steve Schramm, Leo Dominguez, Tom Doll, and Ken Main. Members will send their suggestions to me, and I will funnel them to the core group. The Group will meet after one or more of the Luncheons and work on a schedule of speakers. This way, we hope to bring you pertinent, and entertaining speakers. Stay Tuned.

Thom Watkins

Little SIR

January 2026

First of all, I thank you, the membership for having confidence in me to be part of your leadership team. I feel honored and humbled. I promise to do my best for you individually and Branch 8.

One of the goals for 2026 is to bring you interesting/entertaining speakers. I invite anyone that has an idea for a speaker(s) who may have interesting/entertaining stories to tell to please contact me: thomwat831@gmail.com or 925.330.3780. Also, if you are interested in being a member of our Speakers Committee, we’d love  to have you join us.

We ended the year with a hugely successful Holiday Gala event. The success of the Gala was due to a massive effort by not only the Committee of Buck Cheshire, Ray de Wit, and Paula Murphy, but to the many, many others who contributed the gift baskets, wine, and various gift certificates for wine tastings, rounds of golf, and restaurants.

Octoberfest was cancelled due to the prospect of inclement weather, and that was not the only event cancelled due to weather. The June BBQ was cancelled due to extreme heat. Octoberfest was created to take the place of the June event to stay away from that summer heat. So, how about having an event between the June heat and a rainy October. In consideration of that, I propose holding an event in September. It would have the menu of the June BBQ and the spirit of Oktoberfest. If approved by the BEC, I am asking anyone interested in helping to please contact me, and we can begin planning for “Happy Fall Y’All.”

Here’s hoping that the New Year, 2026 brings out more humanity and understanding for all of us. I hope that each of you enjoy family and friends, good health and good times in the year to come.

Thom Watkins

Little SIR

 

October 2025

Little SIR Sez

In October we welcomed Michelle Hayward of the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW).  As I stated last month, we have some very senior members that either for themselves or for their care of their spouse, might appreciate what MOW has to offer.  Having knowledge of how to obtain MOW service can be beneficial.  The October luncheon reached about 40% of our membership and not all that many of our very senior members.  I want to use this article to reach more of you that did not get to learn about MOW.

The follow is quoted from MOW’s pamphlet, “CONNECTING YOU TO THE SERVICES YOU NEED.”

Finding the services you need can be a confusing and frustrating process, but our Outreach Team is here to help!

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Outreach Team works directly with seniors living in Conta Costa County to identify and connect you to resources.  They also work with all service providers in the area.  This one-stop coordinated approach helps older adults receive the services they need to live a better, healthier life.

The Outreach Team can connect you to:

• Home delivered meals
• Adult day health programs
• Elder abuse prevention
• SNAP/CalFresh benefits
• Fall Prevention programs
• Exercise classes
• Companionship
• Case Management
• Legal services
• Advocacy for those in long-term care
• Much More

Services are free and are available to anyone age 60 and older.  For help with services or for more information contact:

• 954-482-1876
• CaseManagement@mowdr.org

In November we will have our traditional Veterans Day program where we draw upon several of our members who can relate their military experiences.  Many of our members have served and we like recognizing all who have done so.  We will have a surprise for you as we kick off this program.

Dan Smith

Little SIR

dns.lns02@astound.net

925-588-6792

 

September 2025

What I am to describe involves sales.  I am anything but a salesman.  When growing up, my dog had a litter.  When it came time to find homes for the pups, I could not give them away.

We have a newer member, Greg Konsavage, who has taken on the position of Public Relations.  This is an extremely important position as it is the key to recruiting new members, especially those not aware of our existence.  You all have seen numerous emails where we need to help Greg staff our booth at the Clayton Oktoberfest, October 4 and 5.  Greg obtained a huge benefit for us, obtaining a free booth in this event that is attended by thousands of people.  It’s been like pulling hens teeth.  And as you read this, you will surmise that I am not a salesman.  What is most important to me is that we, as an organization, show Greg that we have his back.

There are two annual activities that also concern me, because if we value these activities, we need to support them by participating.  We already moved what had been a picnic in June to become our own Oktoberfest.  This was specifically to avoid hot weather that had caused us to cancel a June picnic.  You have been receiving emails where we are having to promote our participation.  My wife and I attended last year and will certainly attend this year.  This event is offering what we intended.  However, it mandates our support by participating.  And as we get closer to achieving our goal for attendance, I think that Leo, Thom, et al, will appreciate much earlier sign-ups to help relieve some of the stress in planning the event.

The other activity is what used to be the Ladies Day Luncheon.  We sensed that we could do better.  We cancelled having an LDL in June, it is now a regular luncheon and meeting.  The December LDL is being revamped into more of a holiday affair and upscaled.  I’ll allow the committee planning this activity to speak for themselves.  I just want you all to be willing to put this on your calendar so that we have really, fun time.  Again, I think that they will appreciate early sign-ups to ensure that we are on track.

In October we welcome Michelle Hayward and Nicholas Chang of the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region.  Michelle is the Director of Development & Community Relations.  I believe that Nicholas is more involved with their volunteers.  We have some very senior members that either for themselves or for their care of their spouse, might appreciate what MOW has to offer.  Having knowledge of how to obtain MOW service can be beneficial.  We also have members who may want to consider volunteering.

Finally, we have a speakers committee behind our selection of speakers.  Do you have thoughts about whom we should have as speakers?  Join the speakers committee.  It evolves annually and is low key, mostly done by email when under my watch.  I hope to think that our selections have been appreciated.   Contact me if interested.

Dan Smith

August 2025

We are growing, not in leaps and bounds, but we have increased membership.  Likewise with the activities.  New participants are showing up.  As fall approaches, we will soon have Oktoberfest.  Come December, we look to an improved early evening dinner we can bring the ladies to.  We have plenty of opportunities to come out and play.  Let’s enjoy these activities and the people with us.

In September we welcome Marc Joffe, President of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.  Marc has authored or co-authored many op-eds related to government finance, including:

• Budget Resources are Limited—Even in California
• The Cost of Transit in California
• California Seeks Federal Funding for the “Worst Transit Project in the US”
• California May Never Get High-Speed Rail as Brightline Also Struggles
• Bay Area Transportation and Housing Policies Cannot Stop Climate Change
• Is California Doomed to Repeat Pension History?
• In California State and Local Government, DEI Costs Millions and Distracts Management
• Newsom forced to roll back unwise Medi-Cal expansions

Whatever subject matter Marc chooses to present, expect that he will deal with the facts and figures of finance.  California is fortunate to have a strong economy, but the funding of such matters is not limitless.

Dan Smith

Little SIR

July 2025

Those of us that attended the July luncheon listened to Debora Allen explain BART’s fiscal cliff issues.  Ridership has recovered to a maximum 47% of what it was pre-pandemic.  Costs have risen without regard to the decline in ridership.  The difference in the budget has been covered by Federal emergency funding sources.  Now that these sources will end and any inclination to obtain fiscal relief through a proposition or the like, will be challenging.  Debora stated that early pools indicated that this would fail.

So, what is BART doing about this?  There are no easy answers.  I searched online and found their website, https://www.bart.gov/about/financials/crisis.  Basically, I saw what Debora described.  They recognize the issues.  They are far apart in seeing a resolution; I see the impasse.  Including, what is being done to mitigate labor costs?  BART makes the case that their cost per vehicle revenue hour, a standard shared by this industry, compares very favorably with all agencies throughout the country.  The model (business plan) that they require needs to be restructured to present day.  Going forward, it is great not to be wanting, but so many public sectors are not good at saving for a rainy day – like a pandemic – a really, rainy day.

We did not get to see Debora’s supporting material.  We had a problem with our new laptop; in fact, it failed for the second time.  I did what damage control I could do with our guest speaker.  Debora knew what she wanted to say and moved on.  I will suggest that Debora was drawing upon the material that is in BART’s website, above.

In the meantime, our powers to be behind our laptop (Tom DeGrande, Derek Southern, Garland Bell) made the very rational decision to return it to Costco and obtain a laptop from Best Buy.  We should not be having issues with the laptop.  Can we move on, now?

I saw the pictures that Dan Crowley took of the Bargain Bites at Maguey Mexican Restaurant.  That was a great turnout and I thank Ken Main, Ron Maciak, and Linda Gawura for arranging this event.  This was Ken’s first offering as activity Chairman.  Hopefully, its success will induce Ken and all to plan more of these events.

In August we welcome Dawn Manley and Willie Mendoza of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.  Many of you already know the organization very well.  Of interest, the Food Bank is experiencing their own rainy day in the form of reduced Federal aid?  They may also be seeing in reduction in demand because of the Trump Administration’s aggressive immigration policies.  I hope that they explain this to us.

Dan Smith

Little SIR

June 2025

We like to consider our retirement our “Golden Years.”  This idiom refers to a period in our life when we have reached retirement age and are able to enjoy the fruits of our labor.  We are purportedly able to relax, travel, pursue hobbies, and spend time with loved ones without the constraints of work or other responsibilities.  I feel fortunate in that, though I am not rich, I feel secure in what I have carved out for my wife and myself.  We can have health concerns, and with medical aid being readily available, we can deal with that.  I feel that I am at peace with my personal life.

The area that my wife and I are not dealing well with is the political environment around us.  SIR states that we are not to talk about politics or religion.  I will talk about how I feel.  I don’t like it.  Too many people have been hurt but what is happening.  I will sometimes state, “If I ran my household like some governments ran theirs, I’d be on the street.”  Economics is now an oversimplification of the issues I see around us.

We at SIR will scratch the surface of what is going on at the community level when we listen to three of our speakers during the second half of the year.  Next month we hear from ex-BART Board director Debra Allen.  BART has huge ongoing fiscal issues.  The service that BART provides is necessary for the way the Bay Area functions.  I look forward to listening to what Debra has to say about BART and whether they can see a path forward.

We also hear from Food Bank, an organization that many of you, and your wives, have been volunteering to help.  I figure that you already have first hand knowledge of what has been happening on their front.  We will also hear from Meals on Wheels, an organization that is known to help seniors who are less fortunate than ourselves.

These organizations won’t address the really, heavy issues that are occurring around us.  That I will leave to you to do what is in your heart to do what you think is best.  We will not all be on the same page.  That does not matter.  By the time we get to November, when we celebrate Veterans Day, we will also be celebrating the greatness of this country.  I will make a political statement here.  I don’t think this country would be as great as it is if we didn’t have the diversity that we have.

Dan Smith

last updated 01/22/2026 by MLF