Meeting Highlights

In addition to our weekly meeting at Fountaingrove Inn, Sunrise members gather by special interests such as Bridge and Hiking, Construction and Instruction.

We are a well rounded group, providing opportunities for sharpening our minds and bodies.  This past weekend's Spring Lake Park hike attracted members and their extended families. Led by Marty Behr, the Sunrise Hikers trek weekly.  Below, this week's wisely dressed crew includes Jim and Susie Kirkbride's granddhildren on the young side and veteran, 90+ Sunriser Del Raby sporting signature beard and pole on far right.

We are also known to generate public enthusiasm and refreshment per our hosting of the Bear Republic beer booth at the City's St. Patrick's Day 5k Run March 12. Draught Master Peter Hoberg is accepting applications for associates. Apply early, competition is keen for the limited places at the counter.

Members are also recognized for their accomplishments and recent travels:

Peter Banks reported on his and spouse Mary's 3 week  Caribbean adventure on their Catamaran Serenity.  Amidst 35 knot winds and at times 15 foot swells, all aboard returned without mishap.

John Jones announced his company's new record of 428 person's served in a single day during the January mission to the remote Nicaraguan village of Maravillas.

Leroy Carlenzoli and Rich Randolph assembled the Club's Peace Wall at Women's Recovery Services.  Immediately two school girls created their personalized messages of Peace and Hope, oriented toward their respective mothers.

Max Childs did some boasting of his twin daughters Bridget & Cassidy.  In addition to UC Berkeley admission with scholarship, a nomination for the Press Democrat Citizenship Award has been made.

Del Raby heralded the March 25th Progressive Dinner Announcement-Invitation.  Del is fielding questions and still can accept offers to host a course.

Steve Zwick rolled out our Annual Golf Tournament details.  Reserve Thursday June 2 for the Oakmont West Fete.  More to follow.

Aroundabouts and Signals:  Steven Weinberger of W-Trans gave us his Engineer's perspective on the features of traffic management.  In particular Steven, also a lecturer at Sonoma State University in their Traffic Management Program, offered a contrast between signal light controlled intersections and roundabout designed.  After 1995 the roundabout design began to gain popularity:  They require less right of way cost and operating expense than signal controlled.  They are more expensive to build. They also have a record of a 35% reduction in traffic accidents, as well as wait time and air pollution from prolonged idling. Planning of these intersections may take 2-10 years.  Projects in Sonoma County for roundabouts are proposed near Windsor River Road, Frates and Adobe i Petaluma, Broadway and Highway 12 in Sonoma, and nearby 4 Corners area at Broadway and Leveroni/Napa Roads.

Steven's company is the developer of the concept of Complete Streets:  Designing safety into roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as automobiles.  Incorporating features to assist sight impaired pedestrians is a main assessment, and drew the attention of Sunriser, Sebastopol resident Nancy Aita:  "How do you convince people to press the button to activate street imbedded flashing lights?"