The first organizational meeting was held on March 28, 1988 at the Pleasant Hill Country Club under the sponsorship of the Las Trampas Branch 116. There were 74 sponsors and guests in attendance and $106.91 in contributions was raised. The second meeting was held on April 26, 1988 at which time a slate of officers was appointed and sworn in by the State Vice-President, Russell Agnew. Hugh McCullough became Big Sir and Probationary status was authorized on May 3, 1988 for Pleasant Hill Branch 146. When Big Sir Hugh McCullough moved from the area in November, Thomas O’Day was appointed the Big Sir. The year 1988 ended with a membership of 69 which was still short of the 100 required for the Branch to be chartered.In February of 1989 Big Sir Thomas O’Day resigned because of poor health and CharlesUnfried was appointed the Big Sir.While membership recruitment continued, Branch activities such as golf, bowling, ham-radio, bridge and RV’s were organized. John Fontenrose was the first News Bulletin editor. The luncheon meetings continued to be well attended with excellent speakers. The luncheon location was changed to Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant in August 1989. Membership finally passed 100 and the Branch was officially Chartered at the Christmas luncheon on December 19, 1989.
Following are some brief highlights for the years 1990-2003:

1990 - Big Sir Gil Rhodes--Membership increased to 150.

1991 - Big Sir Gene Hackett--The luncheon meetings were moved to the Concord Elks Lodge and membership increased to 170. Branch 146 sponsored Travel was added to the list ofactivities.

1992 - Big Sir Walt Entelman--The luncheon meetings were moved to the Boundary Oak restaurant. A Computer Users group was started and membership increased to 190.

1993 - Big Sir E. (Kap) Kaprelian--The authorized limit of 200 members was reached and aWaiting List was established. Branch 146 sponsored new Branch 171 in the Lamorinda area.

1994 - Big Sir Joe Jansen--New activity groups started during the year were Investment, Fishing and Cribbage-Pinochle.

1995 - Big Sir Bob Walton--Former Big Sir Charles Unfried was the first Branch 146 member to be awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the State Organization.

1996 - Big Sir Dick Devoe--Bocce Ballwas added as a Branch activity. The Waiting List reached 28 by year’s end.

1997 - Big Sir Warren Boero--Branch membership was increased to 210 and the Waiting List was set at a maximum of 30.

1998 - Big Sir Don Nunn--The Branch meetings were moved back to Zio Fraedo’s restaurant.The first semi-annual Dinner Dance was sponsored by the new Social Committee. A Walking group and a Singing group began as new activities. Glen Furlow, Dave Vallado and Bob Walton were presented with Honorary Life Memberships

1999 - Big Sir Dave Vallado--Dave passed away in June and Jack Calloway assumed the duties of Big Sir/Little Sir. A Veterans group and an Honorees Committee were formed. Charlie Kiser became the first recipient of the Branch 146 Honoree Award. Joe Jansen was also given the Branch 146 Honoree Award. The luncheon site was moved to Blake’s at Boundary Oak.

2000 - Big Sir Jack Calloway--Charlie Kiser was selected to replace the late Dave Vallado as an Honorary Life Member and Ernie Figueira was made an Honorary Life Member for his Service as the State Secretary. New activity groups started were Gardening, Cooking, Table Pool and Wine Tasting. An up-dated and revised version of the Branch regulations were approved. The Branch 146 Honoree Award was given to John Fontenrose and Lang Erickson.

2001 - Big Sir Bill Hansen--The first LadiesInvitational Golf Tournament was held in October. The Christmas luncheon entertainment was a play presented by Branch members and their Ladies.

2002 - Big Sir Fred Kovar--Honorary Life members Glenn Furlow and Ernie Figueira passed away. The Cooking group published a Cookbook featuring recipes from members, wives and friends.

2003 - Big Sir Bob Yolland--Don Nunnwas awarded an Honorary Life Membership replacing the late Glen Furlow. A Theatre group, Couples Duplicate Bridge and a second Cooking group were added to the activities list.

2004 -Big Sir Doug Cook—The Branch Regulations were changed to open the Waiting List to all applicants. Jeff Baily created a Branch 146 Website with many useful features.

2005 –Big Sir Ray Kan—Branch membership was increased from 210 to 240 and a moratorium was placed on the Waiting List. A committee was appointed to study the impact of those changes. Lang Erickson was awarded an Honorary Life Membership. A third Cooking group and Poker group were new activities added during the year. Former Big Sir Warren Boero passed away.

2006 – Big Sir Garth Cummings—A revised Waiting List Policy was approved limiting the number to 15 and changing the way additions are made. The Waiting List moratorium was lifted and new applications were accepted starting in October. Three Poker groups and the Sirmonicats were new activities added in 2006.

2007 –Big Sir Jim Stedman---Maximum branch membership was increased from 240 to 270.Up to three new members will be inducted for ten months each year (30 total) until the maximum is reached. New activities were a Book Exchange, Explore and Dine, Guys Dine Out and a nine hole golf group. Jim Stedman was elected Area 2 Governor. Former Big Sir Joe Jansen passed away.

2008 – Big Sir Jeff Baily—The State Organization eliminated Waiting Lists and limits on the number of members.  Branch 146 inducted a record number (33) of new members and grew to 261.  The average age of members decreased slightly for the first time.  State Secretary Lang Erickson passed away.  New activities were a Couples Duplicate Bridge Group, a Poker group and a Couples Dine Out group.

2009 –Big Sir Stu Somerville---There was a slight decrease in membership due mainly to a high number of deaths.  Big Sir Stu Somerville died shortly before finishing his term and former Big Sir Charles Unfried also passed away.  Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to Jeff Baily, Jack Calloway and Dick Richmond.  New activities added were Couples Golf and Photography.

Revised by
Jack Calloway
Branch 146 Historian
January 2008