N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 5th February 2024 – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Monday 12th February 2024 – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Monday 19th February 2024 – Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5.15 pm.
Monday 19th February 2024 – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
PETS & Learning & Development for all incoming Presidents Elect, Board Members, New Members and Directors.
Fri Mar. 08, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – Sun Mar. 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, 6 Beach Road, Batemans Bay.
OR
Fri Mar. 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – Sun Mar. 24, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s & Citizens Memorial Club, Cootamundra.
*Friday 25th- Sunday 27th October 2024. D9705 Conference. Mittagong RSL. Bookings open now for early bird registrations: https://www.discon24.com/
JUST FOR LAUGHS
N.B. ALL of the above images were obtained from Facebook
THE PUZZLER
Answers to the last puzzle:
Christmas rebus puzzle (puzzle board is repeated below to make it easier to associate the answers with the actual rebuses):
Noel; 2. Three Wise Men; 3. Kisses under the mistletoe; 4. Last Christmas; 5. Little Donkey; 6. Mince pies; 7. Away in a Manger; 8. Leftover turkey; 9. Holy Night; 10. Opened presents; 11. North Pole; 12. Jack Frost; 13. White Christmas; 14. Season’s Greetings; 15. Peace on Earth; 16. Pigs in blankets; 17. Donner; 18. Decorate; 19. Carols; 20. Presence over presents
This month’s puzzles:
Riddle: What kind of coat is best put on wet?
World geography quiz: How many of the countries below can you guess from their shapes alone?
ROTARY NEWS
1. D9705 CONFERENCE 2024
Having now attended 20 DISCONS since I became a member of CRC I can testify to the benefits of attending our annual DISCON. It looks like with regionalisation that the 2024 DISCON could be the last. Attendance to our DISCONS has been dropping for some time now even with the merging of D9700 and D9710 with over 2,000 members, the DISCONS have not been supported.
So do yourselves a favour and register for the 2024 DISCON in Mittagong.
2. OUR TRACY UPDATE
We heard from Tracy Ochieng this week and Tracy is going well.
Tracy is looking to get a scholarship to study in Europe or the USA for her masters degree. Tracy is not looking for help form our club and will move onwards with Kenyan Rotary clubs. Tracy’s future is looking wonderful and we are very proud of her success to date.
January is Vocational Service Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2023-24
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: John Bond
President-Elect 2024-2025: Adrian Lindner
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Membership Director: Leslie Weston
Service Projects Director: Adrian Lindner
Youth Services Director: Scott Mudd
Club Admin Director: Henk Hulsman
Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Dick Jennings
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: Paul Weston
This year the Australia Day celebrations were held at the new Matong Community Hall.
2024 Australia Day Award Recipients & Official Opening of the Matong Community Hall. Coolamon Shire Council celebrated Australia Day with a community breakfast hosted by the Advance Matong Committee at the new Matong Community Hall.
This year the Coolamon Shire welcomed our 2024 Australia Day Ambassador Mrs Sandra Ireson. Sandra is passionate about education and creating leadership and networking opportunities for women, especially in rural, regional and remote Australia.
Congratulations to all winners:
Citizen of the Year – Stephen Hatty
Young Citizen of the Year – Edward Hatty
Shane Till Memorial Sporting Achievement – Peter Corbett
Young Sportsperson of the Year – Riley Bradshaw
Community Event / Community Group – Advance Matong
Our own Mary Potts attended the Mawang Gaway community gathering in Wagga Wagga on January 26th at the CSU Riverina Playhouse. The RC of Wagga Wagga Sunrise did some catering.
Mary sent in some photos of the event:
Meeting of Monday 29th January 2024
President John Bond welcomed 23 members and 7 guests which included Susan Glassford, Marilyn Jennings, Trish Truscott, Ruth Morgan, Sharon Miles, Vicky Langtry and Corey Higgins. A great role up to hear Area Governor Garth Perkin talk on his trip to Cambodia.
President Bondy then opened the meeting up for general business which included:
Corey Higgins looking for volunteers with a RSA ticket to help on weekends. There was no one in the club who had a current RSA certificate.
Henk Hulsman reported on the previous CRCTB 2024 telephone book committee’s meeting which went very well and Henk said that we are on target to start the selling of advertising space in the 2024 CRCTB.
Albert Suidgeest advised members and guest present that he now has 7 gardens for the Open Garden days to be held on Sunday 20th and Saturday 26th October. These gardens included some town gardens and other larger gardens. Leonie Farrelly has agreed to do Devonshire teas as part of her garden viewing. Other gardens will include the Breust and the Exton gardens.
Mary Potts advised all members present that the January 1st membership fees are now due.
Daryl Breust advised the club that the Coolamon Junior Football club is looking for prizes for the 2024 season as of the 2023 season where we sponsored 2 weekly awards for the 18 rounds of football and netball.
The next Board meeting will be held on Monday 19th February at 5.15 pm.
The Junee Rotary Club’s Australian Army Band performance set for Sunday February 11th has been postponed. A new date will be set for this event which we have been asked to support by our presence.
We then had a slide show by Garth on his recent visit to Cambodia. The main reason was to support four schools there with personal support packs for young girls. Our club did contribute $250 for these kits which make a huge difference to the lives of these young ladies. Good on you Garth and here are some photos of his visit to Cambodia;
The meeting closed with the usual fines session by S@A Dick Jennings and Cpl. Garth Perkin. The session was amusing and at times out of control with the antics of these two Rotarians. The funniest fine was for the reason that Coolamon residents woke up to a “smelly” town which was due to 4000 tonnes of chook manure being spread over 1,000 acres belonging to one of our members, no names no pack drill!!!!
The raffle was won by Ted Hutcheon. All in all an excellent evening with much laughter, banter and good fellowship.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 5th February 2024 – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Monday 12th February 2024 –Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Monday 19th February 2024 –Board meeting. Coolamon Sport Rec Club, 5.15 pm.
Monday 19th February 2024 –Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport Rec Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
PETS & Learning & Development for all incoming Presidents Elect, Board Members, New Members and Directors.
Fri Mar. 08, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – Sun Mar. 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, 6 Beach Road, Batemans Bay.
OR
Fri Mar. 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – Sun Mar. 24, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s & Citizens Memorial Club, Cootamundra.
From all accounts this year’s NYE street party and fireworks put on by our Coolamon Shire Council was a great success. Our club and our volunteers played their part and Bear Brian Pattison gave a detailed report on the night. Bear started by thanking the following volunteers:
Dick and Maree for the use of their cool room.
Anne for organising the food for the night.
Gary, Howard, Dick and of course Bear for working in the caravan.
The raffle tickets were sold by: Vicki, Grahame, Henk, Gary, Albert and his brother Michael, Paul, Leslie, Myffy, Bondy, Alex, Dick and Anne. (I hope I did not miss anyone).
Bear also made a suggestion or two on how we can improve for the next NYE catering and raffle. Bear feels that we could have sold a lot more raffle tickets if we had more volunteers to help sell the tickets.
Our thanks got to Vicky Langtry for obtaining the prizes with generous donations from Delta Ag, Riverina Coop and Bunnings.
Photos by Paul Weston
Meeting of Monday 22nd January 2024
President John Bond welcomed 18 members and one new member nominee in Vicky Langtry. It was so good to be back together again after the holiday period. Plenty of catching up was done with good banter and fellowship long after the meeting was over.
Bondy went over some of the discussions at the board meeting which was held before our weekly meeting. These items included:
New Year’s Eve (See report at the start of this bulletin)
The Coolamon Community Chronicle
Our annual Christmas party.
Mary’s Treasurer’s report was also presented with the results of NYE.
The shared BBQ proceeds with Lions grossed $1994.00 costs of $1,423.00 Net $570.00
The raffle which was held over two days yielded a net result of $1,687.75, a great result. Bondy thanked all who helped on the two days and especially Vicky Langtry for getting all the prizes donated for the wheel barrow, which was also donated.
The catering van sold out of steaks and sausages by 9.00pm which included the 450 sausages that we gave away to the children who attended. We could have sold a lot more on the night as it was a good crowd with good weather.
Bear Brian Pattison spoke at length on NYE and that is in the start of this bulletin.
PE Adrian Lindner reminded those members on his upcoming board, that PETS this year is in 2 places, Batemans Bay on March 8th to March 10th and Cootamundra on March 22nd to March 24th. Adrian will be going to the Batemans Bay PETS. ALL members are welcome to attend and learn how Rotary works.
Albert Suidgeest spoke on the proposed Open Garden Days in October and that no gardens have been chosen as yet and asked members to look out for any outstanding gardens in Coolamon.
John G spoke about the CRC Telephone Book and that there will be a meeting of the CRCTB 2024 Committee very soon. John also suggested that we look at going to the Bright Autumn Festival next year 2025 and we would need to start planning now. Grahame Miles supported the idea.
We sang a belated happy birthday to Anne Rzeszkowski.
The evening meeting closed with a great fines session by the two characters in our club S@A Dick Jennings and his Corporal, Garth Perkin. Great fun as always was had by all.
The raffle was won by Vicky even though Vicky drew her own ticket.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 22nd January – 1st Board Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5:15 pm.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Regular Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
*Monday 29th January – Guest Speaker: Garth Perkin on his recent trip to Cambodia. Bring your partners.
PETS & Learning & Development for all incoming Presidents Elect, Board Members, New Members and Directors.
Fri Mar. 08, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – Sun Mar. 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, 6 Beach Road, Batemans Bay.
OR
Fri Mar. 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. – Sun Mar. 24, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s & Citizens Memorial Club, Cootamundra.
Those of us who have Scottish heritage will appreciate these stories on the haggis, neeps and tatties.
The Hunting of the Haggises by the esteemed artist A.I. McBing (1792-1866)
The cruelty of modern-day farm raised haggis
These days, thankfully, we can just go down to your local butcher or God forbid, Tesco, and purchase a farmed one from there.
Always ask for organic wild caught haggis if you can find it.
Douglas McTavish was a great haggis hunter but it was not until his later years before finally getting his quad in one single hunt. Here he is presenting his winning catch…
We talk a lot about haggis in this group, but less about the neeps – or indeed, the tatties. Pictured here is Hector McClure, who has been shovelling mashed potato from the falls of Tubermory for the last 80 years, come rain or shine, to make sure we have enough on our plates for Burns Night:
“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race!Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm : Weel are ye wordy o’a grace As lang’s my arm”.
N.B. ALL of the above images were obtained from Facebook
ROTARY NEWS
1. VOCATIONAL SERVICE
What is Vocational Service in Rotary?
The contribution of your vocational talents to the problems and needs of society. The values expressed in The 5-Way Test and the Declaration for Rotarians in Business and Professions, which promote high ethical standards in the workplace, a central theme of Rotary throughout its history.
Vocational Service is the essence of Rotary and serves as the foundation from which we serve our communities around the world. Vocational Service calls on us to empower others by using our unique skills and expertise to address community needs and help others acquire or refine skills and advance their professional opportunities.
Originally only one representative from each business or profession (vocation) was invited to join a club. Paul Harris felt that if several members of the same profession were to join, they would either sit together and “talk shop” or compete against each other for other members’ business. The idea of “trade-boosting” was gradually eliminated and by 1912, Rotarians were no longer required to exchange business with one another.
Of Rotary’s five Avenues of Service* – Club, Vocational, Community, New Generations and International – Vocational is difficult to define, so it is sometimes called the “Forgotten Avenue of Service”. One reason is Club, Community, International and Youth Service activities usually involve groups of Rotarians. They enjoy the fellowship of Club Service, the satisfaction of serving the needs of their communities, and the hope that their International Service promotes world peace and understanding. But Vocational Service – the second Avenue of Service — is generally conducted by individual members.
Vocational Service focuses on:
Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians.
The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
Rotary’s Vocational Service Month is a great time to start leveraging vocational service in club projects and activities. The Vocational Service in Action handbook can help you gain a better understanding of vocational service and provide you with ideas to practice it through your service activities, in your personal life, and in your career. Download the handbook and share it with your club members.
2. RI PRESIDENT’S THEME 2024-2025
The RI President always announces their theme for their year as president at the International Assembly. This is where all 560+ District Governors Elect go for training before the start of the upcoming Rotary year. This year it was in Orlando Florida.
RIPE Stephanie Urchick announced that the 2024-25 presidential theme is The Magic of Rotary and called on members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives.
“Don’t misunderstand me – we are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand and saying some funny words,” Urchick told incoming district governors at the Rotary International Assembly on 8 January. “It’s up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member.”
Urchick, a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, said she saw the magic of Rotary on display when she was helping install water filters in the Dominican Republic. Two boys were watching as dirty water entered the filter, then ran out clean at the other end.
“One of the boys grabbed my sleeve and said, ‘Show me the magic again,’” she said. “Obviously, the water filter wasn’t magic. We worked hard to transport those filters, install them, and work with community leaders in the area to maintain them. But those boys knew that easy access to clean water would change their lives. Knowing that I played a small part in that certainly changed my life.”
January is Vocational Service Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2023-24
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: John Bond
President-Elect 2024-2025: Adrian Lindner
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Membership Director: Leslie Weston
Service Projects Director: Adrian Lindner
Youth Services Director: Scott Mudd
Club Admin Director: Henk Hulsman
Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Dick Jennings
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: Paul Weston
Happy Christmas to all our members, partners and friends and a happy and prosperous 2024!
Our Rotary club had their annual Christmas party at President John Bond’s home in Coolamon. We had 38 in attendance and that included the majority of our members present with their partners.
Roselee and John Bond were our generous hosts this year at their brand new home.
The food was wonderful and plenty there to feed all. Thank you to all who brought a salad or a sweet to compliment the trays of chicken, ham and silverside beef. A special thanks go to Henk Hulsman for organising the food for the evening.
All in all a wonderful time of reflection and friendship was had over the evening. To all those who helped wash up the dishes and tidy up the home a special thanks.
Here are a few pics from the party:
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Saturday 30th December – Street Raffle. Click here for roster.
Sunday 31st December – New Year’s Eve Festival.Coolamon, 4:30 – 10 pm. Click here for roster.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Board Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5:15 pm.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Regular Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
The Rotary convention is where friendship and learning come together to inspire you. In Singapore you’ll connect with people of action from around the globe at Rotary’s biggest event of the year.
We’ll share fresh perspectives, inspiration, and hope – with each other and the world! The convention features world-class dining and cultural attractions, distinguished speakers, energizing breakout sessions, and much more.
Join us 25-29 May 2024 in Singapore where we’ll be Sharing Hope With the World!
It’s never too early or late to register for Rotary International Convention—especially Rotary24 in Singapore, Asia’s dazzling garden city, rich in culture and unique experiences. The last day for the early registration discount is 15 December. Register today!
Rotary and Lions will be serving the community on NYE with sausages for the children (FREE) and cooking up a storm in our caravan. We will also be selling tickets to our NYE Raffle with some great prizes.
Roo-ver, which is expected to weigh around 20 kilograms and be roughly the size of a check-in suitcase, is set to travel to the Moon as part of NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative.
The Australian-made, semi-autonomous rover is expected to land in the South Pole region of the Moon, before spending around 14 Earth days (equal to about half of one Moon day) collecting lunar soil, known as regolith.
President John Bond welcomed 19 members and two guests Marilyn Jennings and Vicki Langtry.
This was our last meeting for 2023 and began with the results of the great potato growing competition organised by Albert Suidgeest. The competition rules was the heaviest potato would be declared the winner. We all purchased seed potatoes from Albert at $5 each and planted them! The total prize money was $175.00.
In order of weight:
Daryl too small to weigh 1 gram we believe; Anne 34 grams; Gary 50 grams, Mary 59 grams, Bondy 84 grams, Albert 89 grams and the winner was:
The late Neil Munro at a whopping 150 grams. Clare has asked that the prize money be donated to the club.
Below Neil’s winning potato with Daryl’s magnificent 1 gram spud:
Thanks Albert for organising the competition, a lot of fun and learning was had by all.
Paul reminded the Chronicle committee that there is a meeting Tuesday 12th at 4.00pm
Henk advised the members that the Christmas Party at John Bond’s home is 6.30 for 7.00pm at Wallace Street Coolamon. Names of those providing salads and deserts were handed around and that the cost was set at $15 per person.
Henk reminded members to bring a chair although John Bond said he has 30 chairs and there are 32 booked in so far. BYO is a given and glasses if you need them.
Brian Bear and Vicki Langtry are organising prizes for the NYE raffle and a roster was sent round which is attached in a pdf file. Members may donate suitable gardening materials for the raffle. Bear is organising a wheel barrow from Rural Supplies. Our thanks go to those members already donating a prize for the wheel barrow.
Vicki Langtry said that she will join our club next year, wonderful and very welcome news indeed.
S@A Dick Jennings did his usual job of fining members and the prize for the meat voucher was won by Dick. There were several bags of potatoes that Albert brought along and these were won by various members.
Hannah our regular waitress made some lovely biscuits for our last meeting. Dick then auctioned a few of these off which fetched up to $4 each, thanks Hannah.
Henk then thanked Di and Gilbert for all the meals they have prepared for us this year.
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
*Saturday 16th December – CRC Annual Christmas Party. President John Bond’s residence, 6.30 for 7 pm.
Saturday 30th December – Street Raffle. Attached.
Sunday 31st December – New Year’s Eve Festival. Coolamon, 4:30 – 10 pm.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Board Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5:15 pm.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Regular Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
The Rotary convention is where friendship and learning come together to inspire you. In Singapore you’ll connect with people of action from around the globe at Rotary’s biggest event of the year.
We’ll share fresh perspectives, inspiration, and hope – with each other and the world! The convention features world-class dining and cultural attractions, distinguished speakers, energizing breakout sessions, and much more.
Join us 25-29 May 2024 in Singapore where we’ll be Sharing Hope With the World!
It’s never too early or late to register for Rotary International Convention—especially Rotary24 in Singapore, Asia’s dazzling garden city, rich in culture and unique experiences. The last day for the early registration discount is 15 December. Register today!
Above RI Past President Barry Rassin 2018-2019, currently the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair.
“Rotary is here at COP 28 in strength. Talking about our significant work in eradicating Polio, impacting the reduction of malaria and the new focus on the environment. More incredible speakers at the Rotary International Pavilion. I wish everyone could hear these messages about energy and the need to change
An historic signing and partnership happened at the Rotary International Pavilion at COP28. Between the National Mission for Clean Ganges, the River system in India, and the Mississippi River City and Towns Initiative. Rotary bringing together the Mayors along the Mississippi along with the program in India.”
Above RI President Gordon McInally 2023-2024.
“Being part of the Rotary delegation at COP 28 was an honour. Rotary International had such a robust place within the inner Blue Zone. So many informative presentations and opportunities to have meaningful conversations with the UAE Government, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) on potential partnerships in the field of mental health.” Gordon McInally at COP 23.
2. SHELTERBOX IN MOROCCO
Distributions of ShelterBoxes in Morocco are complete!
Tens of thousands of people in Morocco have been without shelter since a deadly earthquake hit in September. But thanks to your support, over 1,200 of the most vulnerable families now have tents, blankets, solar lights, and kitchen sets to help them stay warm this winter.
A big thank you to Rotary in Morocco for their tremendous efforts in this response!
President John Bond welcomed 20 members and 2 guests, Marilyn Jennings and Michael Suidgeest. We also welcomed back PP Albert Suidgeest from his trip to Sri Lanka. Albert was resplendent in a Sri Lankan Lungi Sarong and matching orange shirt. Welcome back Albert!
In memory of PP Neil Munro we held a silent reflection on his life, serving our community.
The meeting opened with Paul Weston giving us details of a Rotary project run by the Rotary Club of Warner’s Bay involving free health checks in their travelling caravan. The full time nurse that goes with the van will give both men and women checks for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. This takes around 10 minutes per person. The van will be in our area in May 2024 and they need a local Rotary club to provide accommodation for the nurse and her driver and a site with power for the van. They are coming to Coolamon via Gundagai and Cootamundra and will be in Coolamon on May 11th 2024.
Scott Mudd spoke about a wonderful prospect for the upcoming RYLA course to be held in Murrumbateman from the 6th to the 12th of January 2024. Scott has proposed that we support Corey Higgins to attend RYLA. Scott spoke highly of Corey and Scott requested that we support Corey in next year’s RYLA course. The board approved the sponsorship for Corey following the meeting.
Henk Hulsman gave out the details for Neil Munro’s funeral and said that he had sent flowers to Clare on behalf of our members.
Henk also advised the members that the Christmas party will be held at John Bond’s home from 6.30 pm on Saturday the 16th of December. The cost will be around $25.00 per head (but could be less than that). A list of those wanting to attend our annual Christmas party was sent around for members to sign up.
AG Garth Perkin spoke about international service and a brief summary of his recent trip to Cambodia. Garth encouraged us all to consider volunteering overseas as part of being a member of Rotary. Garth emphasised how fulfilling this type of volunteering is, and how much impact we can have on developing countries such as Cambodia.
Grahame Miles suggested that we should hold our first meeting for 2024 on Monday January 22nd. After some discussion it was put to the board for a decision. The board met after the meeting and voted in favour of the motion. The board will meet on that day at 5.15 pm as per normal.
Albert Suidgeest then gave a brief description of his visit to Sri Lanka. Albert had a wonderful time and even got to see wild elephants and a very rare leopard.
S@A Garth conducted a brief fine session and the raffle was won Michael Suidgeest.
RIP NEIL MUNRO
Just a few more photos of Neil’s time at our Rotary club in memory of a fine Rotarian and a gentleman:
{Click on the above images for a larger photo}
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 11th December – Last regular meeting for 2023. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
*Saturday 16th December – CRC Annual Christmas Party. President John Bond’s residence, 6.30 for 7 pm.
Saturday 30th December – Street Raffle. Roster TBD.
Sunday 31st December – New Year’s Eve Festival. Coolamon, 4:30 – 10 pm.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Board Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 5:15 pm.
Monday 22nd January – 1st Regular Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
* Partner’s night
JUST FOR LAUGHS
A group of 40 year old girlfriends discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally, it was agreed that they should meet at the ocean view restaurant because the waiters there had tight pants and nice buns.
10 years later, at 50 years of age, the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the ocean view restaurant because the food there was very good and the wine selection was good also.
10 years later at 60 years of age, the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the ocean view restaurant because they could eat there in peace and quiet and the restaurant had a beautiful view of the ocean.
10 years later, at 70 years of age ,the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the ocean view restaurant because the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and they even had an elevator.
10 years later, at 80 years of age, the group once again discussed where they should meet for dinner. Finally it was agreed that they should meet at the ocean view restaurant because they had never been there before.
N.B. ALL of the above images were obtained from Facebook
ROTARY NEWS
ROTARY DISEASE PREVENTION & TREATMENT IN ACTION
COOLAMON HOUSE HOUT BAY SOUTH AFRICA
The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have identified seven areas of focus for the new grant structure. These areas reflect critical humanitarian issues and needs that Rotarians are addressing worldwide. They will align Rotary with other international development efforts and will strategically further the Foundation’s mission.
Coolamon Rotary Club is very active in Disease Prevention and Treatment, one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus. We have also through Rotarians For Fighting AIDS been working on Maternal & Child Care through Coolamon House, which is another area of focus.
Coolamon House is now a medical care centre for the 40,000 residents of Imizamo Yethu; which is an informal settlement in Hout Bay itself. Coolamon House provides perinatal HIV medicine to those women who are HIV+. They also provide anti retroviral therapy including drugs. This prevents in most cases the transmission of the HIV virus to the unborn child. Coolamon House also provides TB testing. Click on the images below for a larger version.
CRC worked with the Rotary Club of Hout Bay from 2005 until the present day. We raised the funds through climbing the three highest mountains in Africa. Together with a matching grant from our Foundation we donated around $100,000 to the Hout Bay Rotary Club. Their members led by PP Butch Liebenberg and PP Patrick McLaughlin did the buildings and the renovation of the old one, which was totally inadequate to service 40,000.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2023-24
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: John Bond
President-Elect 2024-2025: Adrian Lindner
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Membership Director: Leslie Weston
Service Projects Director: Adrian Lindner
Youth Services Director: Scott Mudd
Club Admin Director: Henk Hulsman
Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Dick Jennings
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: Paul Weston
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our longest serving and highly respected members. PP Neil passed away after a long illness battling cancer. We will all miss Neil and his dedication to Rotary our club and his service to our local community.
Details of Neil’s funeral will be posted as they become available. We will also compile a tribute to Neil in due course.
Our members and partners send our sincere condolences to Clare and Neil’s family at this time.
Coolamon Rotary Bulletin for the Month of November
The weekly bulletins published below click on the link:
President John Bond welcomed 18 members and two guests: Michael Suidgeest and Vicky Langtry.
Tonight was a club assembly, which began after some general business, which included:
Paul Weston presented the correspondence for the week which included two invitations to school presentation days for Matong Primary and Coolamon Central. Both events are on the same day being December 12th. Scott Mudd will go to Matong and Alexis and John Bond will attend CCS.
John Bond is getting the Christmas party organised and Liam Armstrong is cooking a spit. Members will be asked to bring a plate of salads, potato bake or a dessert (stay tuned as to who needs to bring what). Cost will be $25 per head.
CLUB Assembly
1. New Year’s Eve Catering
The discussion was led by PE Adrian Lindner and it was an open and fair interaction between members present. The first question was how many volunteers we will need, and it looks like 10 Rotarians will be able to volunteer.
The discussion then focused on how many we need to do the catering and sell raffle tickets. The answer seemed to be around 18. As Coolamon Lions have offered to work with us, our guest Vicki called Lions and returned with the good news that they would help with the cooking of the sausages for the children. This will allow some Rotarians to focus on selling raffle tickets.
Food will be cooked on the outdoor BBQ and served from the food van.
Members were asked to look at getting donations of goods suitable for a wheel barrow for the prizes of the raffle.
So NYE as far as our club goes will be the same as last year.
Those member who are unable to attend due to prior commitments, in the main abstained from the vote, which was carried.
2. CRCTB 2024 Edition
The CRC Telephone Book committee for 2024 called for this assembly to discuss the next stage of this important project for our club and community. Following the board’s decision to go ahead with the printing of the 2024 edition of our telephone book we now need to get all our members involved.
What next?
Members are being asked to go through the current Telstra book to get names of locals who are listed in the Telstra book but not in our 2024 book. It is suggested that we all share this by doing a search of the current Telstra book.
Chair of the CRCTB committee Henk Hulsman handed out a form for members to list the businesses that they support. Once these forms have been returned the committee will look for volunteers to canvass these businesses. Already Brian “Bear” Pattison has offered to look after Marrar, Junee and Temora. This is a great start and very welcome, thanks Bear!
The schedule of advertising rates will be decided on by the committee and Henk has prepared a schedule for our consideration.
Those advertisers that advertise in the Coolamon Community Chronicle will be offered a discounted rate to advertise in the CRCTB 2024. This could be our last telephone book which means that these books will be around in homes all over the Shire for years to come.
The meeting closed with a fines session by stand in S@A Ian Jennings and the two raffle prizes were won by JJG and Anne.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 4th December – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
Monday 11th December – Last regular meeting for 2023. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
*Saturday 16th December – CRC Annual Christmas Party. President John Bond’s home 78 Wallace Street, Coolamon. Cost of Christmas party $25.00. Members are respectfully requested to bring along a plate of salads, potato bake etc. as well as chairs and your own drinks and glasses. RSVP to Ian Jennings and or Henk Hulsman.
Saturday 30th December – Street Raffle.Roster and details TBA.
Sunday 31st December – New Year’s Eve street festival, Coolamon. Roster and details TBA.
Monday 5th February – 1st Meeting for 2024. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
* Partner’s night
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Remember the meme we posted last week on the builders of the pyramids? Well, click on the image above and you will see that Fakebook fact-checked the post and said it was false and misleading!!!!! It is Artificial Intelligence or AI being checked by AI. Such is the modern world today machines checking on machines. Here is another example of AI:
N.B. ALL of the above images were obtained from Facebook
The Puzzler
Answers to the last puzzlers:
Riddle: The five-letter word that retains its pronunciation after four letters are removed is ‘queue’. Brain teaser: It’s easy to predict the score of any cricket game (or any game, for that matter) before it starts: It’s always going to be 0 – 0!
This week’s puzzlers:
Riddle: If two’s company, and three’s a crowd, what are four and five? Brain teaser: What number comes next in the following sequence? 2 4 8 10 20 _
One of the biggest programmes for Rotary other than Polio is HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. This RAG (Rotary Action Group) was started by Rotarian Marion Bunch, Marion who is a member of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody, Atlanta, Georgia. In 1998 Marion Bunch’s son Jerry Schutz loses his fight against AIDS.
After dealing with her grief, Marion decides it is time to act and create lasting change. She asks her fellow Rotary club members to join her in the fight against AIDS… and they said yes. An AIDS awareness program between Rotary clubs in Georgia and AID Atlanta was created and has reached more than 500,000 middle and high school students in Georgia. So began RFFA or Rotarians For Fighting AIDS.
In 2005 John G met Marion Bunch at the Chicago Convention and joined her action group. In 2007 Coolamon RC JJG led a team of climbers to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for HIV/AIDS projects and the School of St Jude’s. So began the CRC Road MAPS to Africa projects.
PRIVP Mike McGovern, Rtn. Anne Dillard Glen, PDG Olowu Olugbemiga (Nigeria), PDG Barry Smith, RFFA Chair Marion Bunch, PDG JJG (Australia), RID Patrick Chisanga (Zambia) and Rtn. Mike Eldon (Kenya), plus Anne’s husband and Barry’s wife.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2023-24
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: John Bond
President-Elect 2024-2025: Adrian Lindner
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Membership Director: Leslie Weston
Service Projects Director: Adrian Lindner
Youth Services Director: Scott Mudd
Club Admin Director: Henk Hulsman
Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Dick Jennings
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: Paul Weston
President John Bond welcomed 20 members, and 2 guests. Michael Suidgeest and Past President of the CRC 1992-1993 Neil Black. PP Neil is now a member of the Frankston RC in Melbourne.
Before the CRC Annual General meeting scheduled for tonight. President John Bond started the meeting by saying grace. We had some business to discuss which included:
Paul Weston gave a report on the Board meeting which preceded the AGM. Some of the major points discussed at the board were:
A report on the possible purchasing of a BBQ trailer was discussed at the Board meeting and rejected.
Approved that the CRC Telephone Book 2024 goes ahead and that a club assembly be held on Monday night to take the project to the next stage..
Approved the $600 for the Young Driver Simulator to attend the Coolamon Central School on the 28th and 29th November, volunteers will be needed.
New Year’s Eve was discussed and it was decided that there would be no catering van. We will conduct a raffle on the 30th and 31st. UPDATE the matter will be put to the club assembly on Monday night following a letter from council requesting our involvement, if at all possible.
The last meeting for the year will be Monday 11th December. The first meeting of 2024 will be Monday 5th February.
The Christmas Party will be held at President John Bond’s home, 78 Wallace Street in Coolamon. “Cost of Christmas party: If we self cater with a spit etc, as was discussed last meeting, probably about $25.00 per person. Bondy was indicating that some members could bring along salads, potato bake, etc. We would need to send around a list of who is attending and what they would like to bring. Nibbles ? Bring along own drinks. Chair possibly.”
Printing for Sally Farmer approved.
COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB A.G.M. 2023
President Elect Adrian Lindner then took the Chair and opened the CRC AGM 2023. A quorum was present and the minutes of the 2022 CRC AGM was read and approved.
Treasurer Mary Potts then gave the club’s financial report for the 2022-2023 Rotary year. Some highlights included a gross profit of $4,500 for the Coolamon Community Chronicle which will hold the Chronicle in good stead for 2024. The Treasurer’s report as presented was approved.
Past President Paul Weston said that his report for 2022-2023 has been tabled and is available on line.
The Election of Office Bearers took place and the results are below:
COOLAMON ROTARY CLUB OFFICE BEARERS 2024-2025
President Adrian Lindner
President Elect 2025-2026 Vacant
Secretary Paul Weston
Treasurer Mary Potts
Foundation Director Gary Truscott
Membership Director Brian Pattison (Bear)
Club Administration Director Ian Jennings
Service Projects Director Alexis Furner
Youth Services Director Scott Mudd
Public Image Director Grahame Miles
Sargent @ Arms Albert Suidgeest
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: John Bond
Non Board Positions:
Bulletin Editors: Paul Weston and John Glassford
Webmasters: Mark Rosendahl Bunk Media Canada, John Glassford and Paul Weston.
D9705 Environmental Representative, Coolamon RC: Adrian Lindner
PE Adrian congratulated and thanked all of his board members for 2024-2025.
The meeting concluded with a fines session by S@A Dick Jennings who is missing his Cpl Garth who is still in Cambodia. The raffle was won by Adrian.
All in all a very good evening of Rotary business and plenty of fellowship and a lot of laughs.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 27th November – CRC Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
Monday 4th December – CRC normal meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
Monday 11th December – CRC Last normal meeting for 2023 Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
*Saturday 16th December – CRC Annual Christmas Party at President John Bond’s home. Details will follow.
Saturday 30th December Street Raffle TBA
Sunday 31st December New Year’s Eve TBD
Monday 5th February 2024 1st Meeting for 2024 – 6.30 for 7.00pm at the Sports Club in Coolamon.
* Partner’s night
JUST FOR LAUGHS
N.B. ALL of the above images were obtained from Facebook
SHARING
The old man placed an order for one hamburger, French fries, and a drink. He unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut in half, placing one half in front of his wife.
He then carefully counted out the French fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife. He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them.
As he began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the people around them were looking over and whispering. Obviously they were thinking, ‘That poor old couple-all they can afford is one meal for the two of them.’
As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table and politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man said, they were just fine-they were used to sharing everything. People closer to the table noticed the little old lady hadn’t eaten a bite. She sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink.
Again, the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another meal for them. This time the old woman said,
“No, thank you, we are used to sharing everything.”
Finally, as the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet to eat a single bite of food and asked,
“What is it you are waiting for?”
She answered, “My turn for the Teeth.”
ROTARY NEWS
The 2024-2025 CRC Board of Directors with Adrian Lindner as president deserve our thanks for putting their hands up to direct our club. The good news is that there are three new faces who have never been on the board. The return of our longest serving member deserves mention in dispatches.
Over the past three November week’s bulletin I have written up about our Rotary Foundation hopefully the articles will be useful for our new Foundation Director and all members. This week I will write about the Service Projects portfolio.
ROTARY’S SERVICE PROJECTS
In the main our club supports our various local community projects, some are simply community service while others raise funds for our community. Some of these that we have engaged in the past include:
Gears and Beers
Marrar Madness Rodeo
Open Garden Days
Cycle the Track Event
Street Raffles
Wagga Cycle track, Pomingalarna – catering
Kindra Park Walkway and Bicycle Track
NYE Catering Van
Christmas Shoe Box
Larapinta Trek for ShelterBox
Road MAPS to Africa – Coolamon House, Hout Bay, School of St Jude’s, Arusha, Bishop Masereka’s AIDS Clinic, Kasese, Orphan Rescue Kenya and Tracy Ochieng, Kisumu.
Cambodia Prektol Village, Phnom Penh.
Hospital fete.
This is a very broad portfolio and covers so many projects that Rotary supports locally, nationally and on an international scale. The list below is one that applies to D9705 in particular in highlights are six projects that our club has supported in the past.
1. Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) – including Bushfire Recovery Project and Drought Steering Project
2. Triple R [Recover, Rehabilitate Reuse] + Donations in Kind (DIK)
3. Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM)
4. Australian Rotary Health (ARH)
5. Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC)
6. Interplast
7. Operation Cleft
8. End Trachoma
9. NSW/ACT Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA)
10. Peace Communities
11. Protecting the Environment
12. Rotary Action Groups
13. Vocational Service + Wiradjuri Cultural Exchange
14. ShelterBox
15. Disaster Aid
16. Rotary Alumni
November is our Rotary Foundation Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2023-24
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: John Bond
President-Elect 2024-2025: Adrian Lindner
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Membership Director: Leslie Weston
Service Projects Director: Adrian Lindner
Youth Services Director: Scott Mudd
Club Admin Director: Henk Hulsman
Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Dick Jennings
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: Paul Weston
President John Bond welcomed 18 members, 4 visiting Rotarians from Wollundry RC and 2 guests.
Wollundry were represented by President Darren Wallace, Phil McIntosh, David Byfield and David Benn. Our guests were Terry Kiss and Albert’s brother Michael Suidgeest.
We toasted the Chopperoos world champion Aussie axe men who last week defeated the USA, Canada and New Zealand in 4 disciplines.
After dinner Phil McIntosh gave a report on the 2023 October Gears & Beers event held over the October long weekend. Phil and the committee were concerned that seeing this event was held, not long after Covid 19 came under control, that it would not be a success.
Phil said that it was one of the best Gears & Beers events and exceptional and passed all expectations. There were some 2,600 entrants with a great day which brought out the Mums & Dads and their children. This year the emphasis was to give the participants a great time.
Phil said that the 2022 event through the canola at Adrian Lindner’s property sold the event for 2023. The ride through the wheat crop this year will sell the 2024 event. There was also a lot of social media posts during and following the 2023 G&B and here the participants told the story.
Phil went on to thank our club members who volunteered their time for the Dirty 130 and the 115 event. Phil emphasised that without our participation it would not be feasible to run the G&B. 2024 will be the 10th anniversary of Gears & Beers and again Phil thanked our club and said that Wollundry is in awe of our efforts.
Wollundry President Darren Wallace then presented a cheque for $8,000 to our President John Bond, Adrian Lindner and Albert Suidgeest. Albert did a power of work in organising our support and our volunteers. Thank you Albert, Adrian and all the volunteers.
Other Business:
Melbourne Cup Sweep winners:
$5 Sweep 1st Lexi, 2nd Mary, 3rd Ted and last Howard
$2 Sweep 1st John Nulty, 2nd Howard, 3rd John G, last Brian Bear Pattison.
Mary reported on the recent cycle event near Wagga
Anne on the Wagga Cycle Club Event. CRC catered for lunch and dinner for cycling event at Pomegolarna Reserve Wagga Wagga. We made a net profit of around $800 and the volunteers were: Alex, Brian, Lexi, Mary, Marilyn, Ted, John Bond, Garth, Gary and Anne. Photos below by Mary Potts thanks.
Henk Hulsman reported on the CRCTB 2024 book and advised the members that we stand to make a profit of an estimated $45,000. The CRCTB 2024 committee has recommended to the CRC Board that we should go ahead with the compilation of the 2024 CRCTB.
The raffle was won by David Byfield 1st prize, John Bond 2nd and Grahame 3rd.
S@A Dick Jennings conducted another epic of a fines session. Dick and corporal Garth impressed the visiting Rotarians that they asked them to attend a Wollundry meeting!!!
Dick then suggested that the evening should finish with a recital by David the “Rotary Bard” Benn. David was in fine form and gave us two great renditions the first was Mulga Jim and the other was the one handed poker machine.
DIARY
N.B. You are always welcome to bring guests to most of our meetings, just advise Ian Jennings if you want to bring a guest along when you respond to the weekly dinner roll call!
Monday 20th November – CRCTB 2023 Board meeting at 5.15pm at the Sports Club.
Monday 20th November – CRC Annual General Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
Monday 11th December – CRC Last normal meeting for 2023 Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.
*Saturday 16th December – CRC Annual Christmas Party at President John Bond’s home. Details will follow.
* Partner’s night
JUST FOR LAUGHS
N.B. ALL of the above images were obtained from Facebook
ROTARY NEWS
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Here is some information on our Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Our mission
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
What impact can one donation have?
For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
$50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
$500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.
You can a lot more on how our Foundation works by going to the following two websites:
At the end of the 2022 Financial year our net assets stood at USD $1,255,570,000. Our Foundation has been voted as a 4 star charity the highest level as designated by Charity Navigator.
“This charity’s score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.
This overall score is calculated from multiple beacon scores, weighted as follows: 85% Accountability & Finance, 10% Leadership & Adaptability, 5% Culture & Community.”
November is our Rotary Foundation Month
Graphics by Debbie Vance from Canada
ROTARY CLUB OF COOLAMON Inc. 2023-24
Chartered March 3rd, 1971; Sponsoring Club Narrandera Rotary Club
President: John Bond
President-Elect 2024-2025: Adrian Lindner
Secretary: Paul Weston
Treasurer: Mary Potts
Membership Director: Leslie Weston
Service Projects Director: Adrian Lindner
Youth Services Director: Scott Mudd
Club Admin Director: Henk Hulsman
Public Image Director: Grahame Miles
Sergeant @ Arms: Dick Jennings
Immediate Past President and Vice-President: Paul Weston
