Inactive

This is a calendar that anyone would be happy to hang on their
wall and it still has all the opportunities as before to win prizes.

It’s time to really start pushing sales of our 2016 calendars. We have only 2,500 of them—that’s only about 35 per parlor or one calendar for every 3.2 members, so there’s no reason we shouldn’t sell them all.

This year’s calendar should be an easy sell.
Grand Parlor has done a wonderful job creating this years calendar in full color with beautiful pictures of historical buildings from around the state and a little bit of history about each one and the people who built them. Also, in the back you’ll find a page with valuable information about our beloved California and another page devoted to our Order.

See Drawing Rules and Prizes

Perfect time to sell
There’s always someone for whom you just don’t know what to buy. Why not Lucky Calendars! These calendars make great presents for your family members and thank-you gifts for your valued clients. Take them to your company Christmas party and work the crowd. Sell them out of your booth at your next par-lor event. There are plenty of opportunities out there.

Important part of Funding
The Lucky Calendar program is an important part of the funding for Grand Parlor (scholarships, 4th Grade essay awards, plaques, etc.); please help make this the best year ever.

We don’t want to breakeven
“To date I have received stubs and money for about 400 calendars—that’s a little less than half of the number we need to sell to break even” said Brother James King “but we don’t want to just breakeven . . .  we want to sell all of them.

Close the sale
Please Brothers, don’t just hand them out willy-nilly—close the sale! By that we mean you collect the stub and the money and put it in the mail yourself. It’s too easy for people to take the calendar with every good intention of sending in the money and then just not get around to it. I’ve done it myself.

Don’t know where to get yours?
There are caches of them all over the state. Contact your parlor secretary or nearest grand officer they should have plenty or e-mail me at [email protected]. You can also contact the Grand Parlor office and they will help you.

See Current Winners

The Grand Parlor of The Native Sons of the Golden West and the Discovery of Gold Committee, invites all brothers to join us in honoring James Marshall’s discovering gold at Sutter’s Mill, in Coloma and John Bidwell’s discovery of gold near the Middle Fork of the Feather river. This will be the 2nd Grand Parlor meeting of Grand President Dean Zellers term so expect a squirrel like focus on work, peppered with lots of good fun, good food and great company.

Discovery of Gold Weekend
January 22, 2016 – January 24, 2016

More Info and Registration Form

“What are they up to this time?” you ask, only adding to the crazy total amount of money donated to California hospitals that do Craniofacial Surgery for children. That’s right through the Cleft Pallet Fund our Native Sons have made another donation of $85,000.00 to the UCSF Craniofacial Center.

That brings the total amount donated in the last 62 years to a whopping Three million three hundred and two thousand, six hundred dollars
(that looks like this $3,302,600.00)

What is the Cleft Pallet Fund
Founded in 1953, this fund is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to helping children who are born with a cleft palate or other craniofacial birth defects. Today, the Native Sons Charitable Foundation annually contributes approximately $200,000 to hospitals that treat children with cleft palates and other forms of cranio-facial anomaly.

Why are the Native Sons doing this work;
Like many fraternal organizations whose origins are traced back to the 19th century or earlier, the Native Sons of the Golden West began as a mutual aid society. In the days before such programs or concepts as old-age pensions and workers’ compensation had come into prevalence, and when insurance often was expensive and difficult to obtain, people depended upon mutual aid societies literally to care for their orphans and widows. As time passed, the Native Sons cared for orphans more generally, whether they were the offspring of members or not, and for many decades provided adoption placement services. By the middle of the 20th century, foster care and other government-directed social welfare programs had assumed those functions; so the Native Sons sought out some new venture to provide charitable services to youngsters whose needs had been overlooked.

The UCSF Ceremony and Check Presentation

• On the morning of Nov 3rd, at the new San Francisco Medical Center at Mission Bay, Dr. Ophir Klein, the Medical Director of the Craniofacial Center, gave a tour of the new UCSF Craniofacial Center facilities and talked to the assembly about how it has become a world class facility in Craniofacial Anomalies (Cleft Palate).
• Grand President Dean also talked to the assemby on how important it was to partner with UCSF on acquiring still yet more grant donations to continue our 62 years of funding to USCF and other California facilities.
• Native Sons Grand President Dean Zellers, Grand Officers Paul Lapachet, Ron Brocco and parlor members Deborah De Martini, Gary Padgett, Garry Baker and Alex Yankee than capped of this historical event by presenting a check for $85,000 to Ophir Klein MD/PHD.

 

The “Get Your Glow On” Night Parade returned to Sonoma Plaza on Saturday, September 26, as part of a very busy 118th Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival Weekend. And, with Native Sons Grand President Dean Zellers as the parades Grand Marshall, well the NSGW knew they had to step up and represent. Doing in such great style that they won 1st place in the motorized division this year.

So, a serious collective effort was started, with G. M. Ron Brocco supplying the 18’ flatbed truck, Fairfax #307 supplying the colorful 5 foot tall display of our great state.

Next came the native sons from 4 different parlors helping Sonoma #111 to decorate with colorful fringe, lights lots of lights, flags, banners and hay bales for everyone to sit on.

And, finally a collection of brothers from Sonoma #111, Bidwell #21, Argonaut #8, Napa #62 and Nacasio #183 to outfit this float and show the California Native Son kind of enthusiasm that wins first place in the motorized division.

This was our Native Son brothers at their finest, many people from different parlors stepping up working together for the good of our beloved Native Sons of the Golden West.

September 9 is California Admission Day in the United States.
It celebrates the time when California became the 31st state in 1850.
Grand Admissions Day

In 1849, leaders from around the future state of California drafted California’s first constitution, which was approved on November 13 that year by a vote of 12,064 to 811. In January, 1850, the State Legislature began its first two-year session. On September 9, 1850, California became the 31st entry into the Union.

On September 9, 1924, California’s “Bear Flag” flew over the White House to honor the date of California’s admission. In 1984, however, Governor George Deukmejian signed legislation changing its observance to a “personal” option. In recent times, Californian governors have made public proclamations, inviting the public to observe the day.

Basic Facts About State Capitol;
State Capital. The first capital of California as state, was San Jose from 1850-1851. The first two legislative sessions were held in San Jose which was the first incorporated city in both the state and the county of Santa Clara. In 1851 after General Vallejo’s offer of land and support for state buildings, a bill was passed to move the capital to Vallejo. When it became apparent that Vallejo wasn’t equipped to handle the needs of a state capital, the Senate and Assembly moved to Sacramento. In 1854 for the Fourth Session of the California Legislature, the capital was moved to Benicia, an ordinance depot and military post between Sacramento and San Francisco. Again, the accommodations proved inadequate, so discussion began about what to do. The City of Sacramento made a generous proposal that included free use of the Sacramento County Courthouse, fireproof vaults to house records, space for offices, and free removal of equipment and office supplies from Benicia, and a promise of a free building and site for the capital. In addition “”Other political considerations were agreed to, and an act was passed repealing all prior legislation which had to do with a state capital and naming Sacramento as the permanent seat of government. On February 25, the bill was signed by Governor Bigler, and the Legislature, bag and baggage, climbed aboard the steamer, Wilson B. Hunt for the voyage to the new capital.”

State Symbols;
State Animal: The Grizzly Bear.
State Flower: The Golden Poppy
State Bird: The California Quail
State Colors: Blue (representing the sky) and Gold representing
the gold found by the 49ers during the Gold Rush
State nickname: The 49ers, after the Gold Rush
State Dance: The West Coast Swing
State Folk Dance: The square dance
State Freshwater Fish. The Golden Trout
State Marine Fish: The Garibaldi
State Amphibian: Red-Legged Frog
State Marine Mammal: The Gray Whale
State Marine Reptile: Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle
State Mineral: Gold
State Reptile: The Desert Tortoise
State Insect: Dogface Butterfly
State Rock: Serpentine
State Tree: Coast Redwood and Sequoia
State Gold Rush Ghost town: Bodie
State Silver Rush Ghost town: Calico

The re-enactment of the Bear Flag Revolt organized by the
Native Sons of the Golden West Sonoma Chapter Parlor 111
qualified as a regularly scheduled heritage observance.

With the assistance and support of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, the City of Sonoma has been designated ‘Preserve America Community’ by the White House.

The special status honors communities that protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development, encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education programs and heritage tourism.

It also entitles a community to apply for grants to further those aims.

Patricia Cullinan, president of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society will present the Preserve America Communities commendation to the City at the Council meeting on Monday, August 17.

“This is an important commendation for Sonoma acknowledging the importance of protecting our heritage,” said Patricia Cullinan, president of the Sonoma Valley Historical Society. “The culture of Sonoma has had many facets, and sharing them with residents and visitors is important.”

She will present the Preserve America Communities commendation to the City at the Council meeting on Monday, August 17.

Cullinan said the City of Sonoma being Certified Local Government was a major asset in attaining this designation. “In 2013, the City made a commitment to preserve, protect and increase awareness of our unique cultural heritage.”

On example of the City supporting the preservation of its heritage resources, she said, was its long-time partnership with the Sonoma Community Center. “This was illustrated by the numerous restoration projects, funded through collaborations with numerous local non-profit organizations, including interior remodeling and the Maloney Memorial Garden, a Waterwise Demonstration Project that serves as a community educational tool.”

Additionally, Sonoma’s application was supported by identifying the local organizations that manage a community-supported museum, provide an interpretive facility, and maintain a collection of local history records.

Such local groups include: The Sonoma Valley Historical Society and Depot Museum; The Sonoma State Historic Parks Association; The City of Sonoma Historian; The Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club; The League for Historic Preservation; and The General Joseph Hooker House

Included were citizen volunteer programs, such as a docent or guides, at historic sites. Providing opportunities for children to learn about local heritage in the schools was another important criteria.

Another required element was a local heritage tourism program that included promotional material, such as the Walking Map of Historic Resources and the Sonoma Overlook Trail’s Mountain Cemetery map.

The re-enactment of the Bear Flag Revolt organized by the Native Sons of the Golden West Sonoma Chapter Parlor 111 qualified as a regularly scheduled heritage observance.

“The Sonoma Valley Historical Society is honored to be have partnered with the City of Sonoma in applying for this designation as a Preserve America Community and thanks all the community groups whose efforts supported this application,” Cullinan said.

Also, the designation allows Sonoma to the prestigious Preserve Community logo on road signs and promotional material.

Article from the Sonoma Sun

For the majority of people the last weekend in September is about enjoying a wonderful time on the Sonoma plaza with great food, fine wines and beer, events to entertain everybody in the family. It means for the 118th year the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival will be celebrated.  California’s oldest festival this Sonoma tradition has something for everyone. Get More Details

One of the main reasons this festival is so special is that the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival benefits many Sonoma Valley community projects and non-profits. Also this three day event is organized and presented by a group of local volunteers, including an all volunteer Board of Directors.

This is where we the Native Sons come in, traditionally the Native Sons are huge supporters of this event, which means we will be calling on our brothers to help with the many different events, setups, take-downs, security spots that will need filling. From the Friday night Gala right through to the cleanup and take-down Sunday  Native Sons get involved and do, do, do!!!

The volunteer schedule will be posted and emailed out to everyone by August 17th, please find a place where you can help, maybe find a few places where you can help.

 

American Legion and Sonoma Native Sons are celebrating their 9th Annual Bar Battle. Saturday October 10th the Veterans Memorial Building will be the scene of a number of epic battles. With Train Wreck Junction entertaining this years Bar Battle is shaping up to be the best ever.  If you’ve never had a chance to attend this fun filled fundraiser and not sure what it’s all about we’ve answer a few questions and made sure you have a link to purchase tickets

What is the idea behind the Bar Battles?

It is modeled after the “Iron Chef” competition, of a “secret ingredient”. Each competing establishment once on stage is given a secret ingredient. With a full bar to work with they have 10 minutes to make a cocktail to be judged by our panel of judges. The winner of each heat will then move onto the final. The winner of the final is named “Sonoma’s Best Bartender”! They receive a plaque to be displayed at thier establishment along with a cash prize. Best of all they get the bragging rights for the year!

What are the proceeds used for?

100% of the proceeds from the Sonoma Bar Battle are split between the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor #111 and the American Legion Jack London Post #489. These two local volunteer groups give back support to many organizations in our community, Veterans and active duty Military

What is this years theme?

The theme is up to you, the participant. We provide you with a 8 foot table, you get to let your imagination run wild and come up with your own theme and decorations. The patrons attending get to “vote” using beads for “Fan Favorite Booth”. The winning establishment will get a plaque. *No open flame/candles, No attaching anything to the walls of the building, unless using painters tape or other non-marking device and No hay bales (way to messy to clean up at the end of the night)

 

How does the competition work?

• The stage is stocked with normal bar supplies to make your cocktail
• There are heats, each heat the bartenders have 10 minutes to create their cocktail
• Each team is responsible for making their best cocktail including the secret ingredient
• The cocktail is then given to the panel of “judges” for their rating
• The winner of each heat will then go on to compete in the final round

Tickets will be sold at Eraldi’s Menswear, Steiners Tavern, Town Square, Mary’s Pizza Shack on The Plaza and Rossi’s 1906.  And, once again Gloria Ferrer is going to host their “Glorious Gloria Sparkling Contest”, Charbay Distillery & Winery will again be the sole provider of Vodka, both clear and flavored. They will also provide us with their spectacular Tequila Tapatio Blanco & Tequila Tapatio Reposado to use.
Tickets can also be purchased on-line*  through the American Legion Jack London Post 489 website until – Friday October 9th at 5pm!