Week of 23rd August

Another week of lockdown and no face-to-face meetings.  If the lockdown lifts this weekend as originally intended, we will meet next Monday (30th August) at the Marrar Pub for a social night, but all signs are that the lockdown will continue for a while longer.  If we remain in lockdown, we will meet via Zoom on Monday (login details will be provided if needed).  Look for a text message from Club Admin Director Ian over the weekend.

Birthdays this week: Don Dyce

Message from the President: If you substitute your evening glass of red wine with a cup of green tea, there is a good chance you will lose 87% of the little remaining joy you have in your life.

Credit to the students from the Caringbah High School for the above meme.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE

DIARY

Monday 30th August – Fellowship meeting (Fifth Monday). Marrar Pub (details TBA).  If the COVID lockdown remains in effect, we will meet via Zoom.

Monday 4th October – No meeting (public holiday).

Monday 18th October – District Governor Leo Farrelly OAM Visit.

Sunday 17th October & Saturday 23rd October – Coolamon Garden Viewing. TBC.

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September:  Online Zone 8 Conference. 

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  You’ll have one mouse.

This week’s puzzler:  What do you get if you combine the head of a lamb with the middle of a pig, the hind of a buffalo, and the tail of a dragon?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  Guyana Rotary club brings COVID-19 vaccines to remote communities

Members of the Rotary Club of Demerara, Guyana, and government health officials use boats to vaccinate villagers deep in the country’s rainforests. Photo by Indira Mattai.

Members and government health officials use boats to reach villages deep in the rainforest

by Ryan Hyland

Members of the Rotary Club of Demerara, Guyana, are using their decades of experience in fighting disease while delivering COVID-19 vaccines and aid to a remote region of the South American country. The Indigenous communities there would not otherwise have access to the vaccine and would remain vulnerable to the virus.

The club’s members have conducted crucial medical expeditions that penetrate the densely forested interior of Guyana for nearly 30 years. In doing so, they’ve developed detailed knowledge of the area and the particular needs of the villages in it. The treks have earned the Demerara club a nickname among nearby Rotary clubs: “the bush club.”

FULL STORY HERE

2.  UPDATE FOR RYLA 2022

August is Rotary Month for Membership & Extension

Week of 16th August

COVID-19 strikes again! At the last minute, we were forced to cancel our weekly meeting which was to feature a visit from District 9705 Area Governor Elaine Almond.  So, we had a night off, and hopefully Elaine will be able to reschedule a visit later this year.

DIARY

Monday 23rd August – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm. To be confirmed pending lifting of the Covid 19 lockdown in regional NSW.

Monday 30th August – Fellowship meeting (Fifth Monday). Marrar Pub (details TBA).  If the COVID lockdown remains in effect, we will meet via Zoom.

Monday 4th October – No meeting (public holiday).

Sunday 17th October – Open Garden Viewing

Monday 18th October – District Governor Leo Farrelly OAM Visit.

Sunday 17th October & Saturday 23rd October – Coolamon Garden Viewing. Details TBA.

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September:  Online Zone 8 Conference. 

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  a blind cat

This week’s puzzler:  Mice are famous for their ability to multiply at breakneck speeds. The breed of mouse at Chez’s Pet Shop gives birth once a month, giving birth to 12 pups in each litter. Baby mice mature and can give birth two months after they are born.

You picked up one of these cute baby mice at Chez’s Pet Shop and brought it home the day after it was born. In 10 months from now, how many mice will you have?

ROTARY NEWS

1. HAITI EARTHQUAKE SHELTERBOX APPEAL

Dear Rotary,

Western Haiti was hit by a huge earthquake on Saturday morning at 08.30 (local time).

The Haitian prime minister has said it has caused ‘enormous damage’ and at this stage, the death toll is 277, but this figure will certainly grow as the picture becomes more clear.

Haiti has still not recovered after the 2010 earthquake struck, which killed over 200,000 people.

ShelterBox is monitoring the situation and preparing to respond, as we did in 2010. We are liaising with other agencies in the region to understand the full extent of the damage.

ShelterBox Australia

Mike Greenslade
CEO ShelterBox Australia

EDITOR”S NOTE

The CRC have always come to the aid of disasters that happen now and then and usually though ShelterBox Australia.  In the past we always collected for any such disaster and with a ShelterBox for display see below:

2.  GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ROTARY MEMBERSHIP

RID Jessie Harman (Rotary International Director)

RID Jessie Harman and a photo by Jessie of Lake Wendouree in Ballarat where Jessie lives.

Article by RID Jessie Harman

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ROTARY MEMBERSHIP

I have been speaking a lot lately with club and district leaders about the importance of member engagement. Engaged members are at the heart of who we are and what we do and they’re the key to delivering Rotary’s impact. When I speak with leaders, I talk about the important role they play in delivering a positive membership experience; about the things leaders can do to ensure members are involved, engaged and enjoying Rotary.

Yet I’m very aware that member engagement is a two-way street. There are a host of things that individual members can do to ensure they are getting value from Rotary. So here are my six top tips for getting the most out of your Rotary experience.

Tips on Membership

August is Rotary Month for Membership & Extension

Week of 9th August

President Albert welcomed 23 members and 1 guest to our weekly meeting.  This week’s meeting featured two speakers: Ricky Hard, signwriter from Coolamon, and our own Garth Perkin.  Ricky was on hand to talk about his involvement with the Riverina Redneck Rally, an event that offers excitement and camaraderie to participants as they venture over roads (and things that pass for roads) as they travel from one stop to the next, covering hundreds of kilometres over the course of six days.  The participants are cared for by the rally organisers, who move the belongings of the participants while they attempt to arrive in one piece at the next destination, which is kept a secret until the morning of the next day of action.  Any sort of vehicle is permitted as long as it doesn’t have 4-wheel drive, which only serves to make it more “exciting” and unpredictable.  All of this in the name of raising funds for Country Hope, a charitable group that provides a range of support services to rural families with children facing cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.  The rally set out from Coolamon this year because Ricky’s team raised the most money in 2020 for the cause, an impressive total in excess of $30,000!  Ricky’s team also raised the most in 2019 and they’re shooting to top the board again this year.  Daryl thanked Ricky for an entertaining and inspiring presentation and gave him a token appreciation of thanks.

Our second speaker on the night was Garth, who was the Member in the Spotlight this week.  We learned a bit about Garth’s ancestry, education and job history, his family, and his favourites colour, actress/actor, movie, etc.  It’s surprising how much we’ve learned about our members, things that have lain hidden for many years! One of the more surprising things we learned about Garth is that he has hidden artistic talent; Garth displayed a very detailed painting of his family home that he created at the age of 11, a very impressive effort indeed.

As usual, the meeting concluded with a fine session and raffle.  Members are encouraged to provide Sergeant Bondy with more goss; his fine sessions are starting to run a bit thin.  The raffle was won by Leslie, with several auxiliary prizes of homegrown tangelos provided by John G going to several members.

Vale Bill Thompson OAM

Bill Thompson, longtime lawyer and community-minded resident of Coolamon, passed away on 3rd August after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.  Bill was the father of member Alex Thompson and was well known to many members of the club as well as the wider Coolamon community.  The Rotary Club of Coolamon extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Bill Thompson, who is pictured below with his brother Dick, sons Alex, Jack and Charlie, and wife Gabby after being named a Paul Harris Fellow by the club. For more details on the noteworthy contributions of Bill Thompson, click HERE.  Bill Thompson, we salute you.

DIARY

Monday 16th August – Regular meeting with visit from Area Governor Elaine Almond, new D9705 Area Governor, will be our guest on the evening. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.  Dress is smart casual.  Board members are requested to arrive at 6.00 pm to meet with Elaine prior to the meeting. NB: Mary Potts, our newest member, will be inducted on the night.

Monday 16th August – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.

Wednesday 18th August – Social Committee Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm. 

Monday 23rd August – Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.

Monday 30th August – Fellowship meeting (5th Monday). Details forthcoming.

Monday 4th October – No meeting (public holiday).

Sunday 17th October – Open Garden Viewing

Monday 18th October – District Governor Leo Farrelly OAM Visit.

Saturday 23rd October – Open Garden Viewing

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  Noon, of course! Another acceptable answer: Time to get you clock fixed.

This week’s puzzler:  What living creature has four legs, eats cat food, and sees equally well on both ends of its body?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  ROTARY-BRANDED FACE MASKS

The Rotary e-Club of Brindabella is doing another production run of District 9705 branded face masks.  Orders will be placed soon so please act quickly.

Contact Person:  Rob Uhl  Rotary E-Club of Brindabella

Cost per Mask: $20.00  Masks are WHO approved, washable and re-useable. Up to 15 washes.

Masks are RI Licensed correctly branded and approved.  If clubs or Rotarians wish to order, need to do so quickly as the order will go in within 7 days.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve takes a twist when it becomes a mask on your face for these Rotarians ready to promote our service organisation.  Wagga Wagga Sunrise RC below:

From left: Fred Loneragan, Dawn Smith. Deidre Tome, Jenny Groch, Marilyn Walter and Sharon Ferguson

2.  MEMBERSHIP MINUTE: Membership and New Club Development Month

August is Membership and New Club Development Month, a time to recognize our members and the incredible work they do locally and globally. In 2021, many Rotarians around the world are working together to curb the pandemic through vaccination drives. After a long year of uncertainty, hope is on the horizon.

Membership Month is a great time to introduce friends and colleagues to the family of Rotary. Here are just a few ideas on how to attract new members and keep them engaged:

FULL STORY HERE

FOOTNOTE:

The Tokyo Olympics some moments worth remembering:

Above Rotarian P R Sreejesh of Rotary Club of Kizhakkambalam, District 3201 was the goalkeeper of Indian hockey team which won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Sreejesh was the star of the game with two penalty corner saves in the last 50 seconds.

Gianmarco Tamberi, Italy and Mutaz Essa Barshim, Qatar | High Jump Sharing the Gold medal.

Eliud Kipochoge from Kenya, the greatest marathon runner of all time, back-to-back gold.

In the wee of the night, future Olympians watching makeshift livestream of the games in the backyard from a village in Baringo, Rift Valley, Kenya.

Aussie Peter Bol, a refugee from South Sudan, comes 4th in the final of the men’s 400 metres.

August is Rotary Month for Membership & Extension

Week of 2nd August

President Albert welcomed 22 members and 1 guest (well, not really a guest since Mary Potts is all but a member, having been approved for membership but not yet inducted) to our weekly meeting.  Albert led a discussion of the garden viewing to be hosted by the club in October, which will hopefully go ahead pending developments on the COVID front. Following that, the members were treated to the first intstalment of Meet the Members, a new meeting activity started by Albert. First up was Daryl Breust, who answered a series of questions posed by the President, from the benign (e.g. “What’s your favourite colour?”) to the more probing (“Tell us about your career history”).  We learned a lot about Daryl, including his ancestry (illustrated by an amazingly detailed family tree shown by Daryl), how he met his wife (Jan) and remarkable details about his sporting accomplishments (all related to Aussie Rules football).  The members were a bit in awe of Daryl’s exploits on the footy field, but Garth was game to be the next cab off the rank at an upcoming meeting.

An interesting discussion ensued about the grace recited before dinner at our weekly meetings, with a diversity of opinions expressed regarding the appropriate content of the grace that is recited and whether we should be reciting grace at all.  Most agreed with the idea of having the recitation of a secular grace, with a diversity of grace/acknowledgments that would be rotated among out our weekly meetings, satisfying Albert’s desire to get out of the habit of reciting the same grace week after week (which can result in the words of the grace losing their significance).

The meeting concluded with an amusing fine session led by Sergeant Bondy, who managed to extract some coin from the members, particularly Grahame who seems to be a frequent target of the Sergeant of late.  The raffle was won by Grahame, with second prize going to Paul.

DIARY

Monday 9th August – Speaker meeting. Guest Speaker: Ricky Hard on the “Red Neck Rally and Camp Quality”. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm. 

Wednesday 11th August – Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm. 

Monday 16th August – Regular meeting with visit from Area Governor. Elaine Almond, new D9705 Area Governor, will be our guest on the evening. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.  Board members are requested to arrive at 6.00 pm to meet with Elaine prior to the meeting.

Wednesday 18th August – Social Committee Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7 pm. 

October long weekend – Wollundry RC Gears and Beers Festival. Check for the latest news on their web site: https://gearsandbeers.org.au/

Monday 4th October – No meeting (public holiday).

Sunday 17th October – Open Garden Viewing

Saturday 23rd October – Open Garden Viewing

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  Bondy invited only 5 guests; the rest of the guests were invited by the other guests!

This week’s puzzler: At noon, you look at the clock in your bedroom. The big hand is on the five and the little hand is in between the 3 and the 4. What time is it?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  RI President’s Message

Shekhar and Rashi Mehta

Shekhar Mehta

President 2021-22

August 2021 – As we focus on membership in Rotary this month, I ask you to help make history this year. For more than 20 years, our membership has stood at 1.2 million. Rotary is a vibrant organization with a 116-year history, members in more than 220 countries and geographic areas, and a rich legacy of work in polio eradication and other humanitarian programs. Rotary has changed so much in our own lives and the lives of others. As we Serve to Change Lives, don’t you think Rotary could have an even greater impact on the world if more people were practicing Service Above Self?

My vision is to increase Rotary membership to 1.3 million by July 2022, and the call to action is simple: Each One, Bring One. This year, I want every Rotarian and Rotaractor to introduce a new person into their club.

We are a membership organization, and members are our greatest asset. You are the ones who contribute so generously to The Rotary Foundation. You are the ones who dream big to bring good into the world through meaningful projects. And of course, you are the ones who have put the world on the brink of eradicating polio.

As we make membership a priority this year, let us focus on diversity by reaching out to younger people and especially to women. Every club should celebrate its new members, and every Rotarian who sponsors a member will be personally recognized by me. And those who are successful in bringing in 25 or more members will be part of our new Membership Society.

Even as we share the gift of Rotary with others, let us be sure to engage these new members, because an engaged Rotarian is an asset forever. And remember that engaging our current members and keeping them in our clubs is just as important as bringing in newcomers. Let us also be ready to form new clubs, especially flexible ones. I am very bullish on clubs that hold virtual or hybrid meetings, and satellite clubs and cause-based clubs can also be very effective ways of growing Rotary.

As you grow more, you will be able to do more. Let us keep empowering girls through our work in each of the areas of focus. Scholarships for girls, toilets in schools, health and hygiene education — there is so much we can do. Projects focused on the environment are also attracting interest the world over. Do participate in these projects locally and internationally to make this world a better place for us and for all species.

Each of you is a Rotary brand ambassador, and all of the wonderful work done by Rotarians around the world needs to be shared outside the Rotary community. Use social media to tell your friends, colleagues, and relatives the stories of Service Above Self.

Finally, I’m challenging every club, during the coming year, to plan at least one Rotary Day of Service that will bring together volunteers from inside and outside Rotary and will celebrate and showcase the work of your club in your community. Visit rotary.org to find out more about all of these initiatives, along with other ways to Serve to Change Lives.

2.  Rotary launches new membership recognition programme

August is Rotary Month for Membership & Extension

Week of 26th July

President Albert welcomed 19 members and 1 guest to our first club assembly of the Rotary year.  Paul reported that the street raffle was quite successful, with lots of tickets sold to those hoping to win the trailerload of firewood.  The raffle was won by former member Myffy Collette, who was very happy to receive the precious load of wood as her supply was running low.  Myffy is holding up well as she manages the household and cares for her ailing husband, Brian.

President Albert chose to use our club assembly to discuss some plans for the coming year, particularly the garden viewing to be held in October, as well as his perspective on tree planting and vegetation loss in Coolamon.  Sergeant-at-Arms Bondy levied a number of entertaining fines, and a few cross-fines rounded out the fines session.  The meeting concluded with the raffle, which was won by Bruce, with second prize going to Bern.

DIARY

Wednesday 11th August – Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club. TBC.

Monday 16th August – Regular meeting with visit from Area Governor. Elaine Almond, new D9705 Area Governor, will be our guest on the evening. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.  Board members are requested to arrive at 6.00 pm to meet with Elaine prior to the meeting.

October long weekend Wollundry RC Gears and Beers Festival. Check for the latest news on their web site:

https://gearsandbeers.org.au/

Sunday 17th October – Open Garden Viewing

Saturday 23rd October – Open Garden Viewing

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  A haircut!

This week’s puzzler:

Bondy was having a big party. He decided on a technique to get lots of people to come. He invited his five closest friends and said that they could each invite 4 people.
Each of those could invite 3.
Each of those could invite 2.
Each of those could invite 1.

Overall, how many people did Bondy invite to his party?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  ShelterBox Australia Newsletter July 2021

ShelterBox News

Last year Cyclone Idai hit southern Africa, washing away entire villages like Mwalija in Malawi.

As for now, the sun rises. One goes to the farm, one stays at the house and the children go to school. Life is getting restored. Now we are living on higher land, we are living without worries. I feel at home, without any hesitation.

Having lost everything after Cyclone Idai, Stephano and Mary were determined to rebuild their livelihoods, together with the rest of the community in Mwalija. Watch the video to see their story of recovery.

YouTube Story

2.   Rotary projects around the globe

Stories from the United States, Nicaragua, Lithuania, Rwanda, Jordan.

After hundreds of Rotary clubs in Zones 33 and 34 provided millions of meals to community members in need during the inaugural year of their Feed 10 Million initiative in 2019-20, District 6910 in northern Georgia is serving up a generous portion in the food drive’s second year. As of late April, the district had provided more than 2 million meals. District 6910 coordinated with the Farmers to Families Food Box program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was designed to address the waste of produce that was left to rot in fields as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, says Randy Redner, a past president of the Rotary Club of Duluth, Georgia. “The food is paid for by the government. We provide the organization, the volunteers, and the connectivity in the local community to make sure it goes to the people who need it.”

FULL STORY HERE.

July is also the Rotary Month for the Environment.

Week of 19th July

President Albert welcomed 21 members and two guests to our weekly meeting.  This week’s meeting featured a talk by guest speaker Carla Gash, a new solicitor with Commins Hendriks, who covered the basics of wills, power of attorney, and enduring guardianship. Despite claiming to have little experience with public speaking, Carla kept the attention of those in attendance through the discussion of some rather dry topics, aided by the inclusion of some personal experiences helping people getting funds that would otherwise have gone to less deserving relatives of the deceased. Newest member Adrian Lindner thanked Carla for her talk and presented her with a token gift of appreciation.

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing upcoming events (this Saturday’s street raffle, firewood sales, storing the supply of paper for the Chronicle, etc.), a fine session led by fill-in Sergeant Garth, the raffle and as usual, fellowship.  The large roll-up meant there was lots of gasbagging going on at the end, and a very enjoyable evening overall.

DIARY

Saturday 24th July – Street Raffle. Coolamon Newsagency, 7:00 am – noon. Rostered on are 7:00-8:00 Don D & Mary Potts, 8:00-9:00 Don D and Ann R, 9:00-10:00 Anne R and Neil M, 10:00-12:00 Bern and Garth.

Monday 26th July – Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday 28th July – Narrandera RC Changeover Dinner. Narrandera Golf Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Monday 16th August – Regular meeting with visit from Area Governor. Elaine Almond, new D9705 Area Governor, will be our guest on the evening. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.  Board members are requested to arrive at 6.00 pm to meet with Elaine prior to the meeting.

Above PDG Bruce Gruber D9700 1992-1993 presenting AG Elaine Almond with the DG’s Rotarian of the Year 2018-2019  award for D9700, originally established by PDG Bruce.

October long weekend Wollundry RC Gears and Beers Festival. Check for the latest news on their web site:

https://gearsandbeers.org.au/

Sunday 17th October – Open Garden Viewing

Saturday 23rd October – Open Garden Viewing

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  A surname

This week’s puzzler: Removing an appendix is called an appendectomy, and removing tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. What is it called when they remove a growth from your head?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  MALARIA VACCINE PROJECT

MALARIA VACCINE PROJECT UPDATE

by: PROFESSOR MICHAEL GOOD AO

Since the last newsletter, World Malaria Day was marked on the 25th April. This is an internationally recognised day that highlights global efforts to control malaria, the need for continued investment and political commitment and to celebrate our achievements. Since 2000, the world has made historic progress against malaria resulting in hundreds of millions of clinical cases averted and millions of lives saved. We must remember however, that half of the world’s population still live in regions where they are at risk of contracting malaria and this dreadful disease takes a child’s life every two minutes. No single preventive measure will be solely responsible for eradicating the malaria parasite. A combination of strategies will be needed, including we hope, a highly effective malaria vaccine.  Read more in the Newsletter Issue 10 – June 2021 below:

Malaria Vaccine Update

2.  Australia New Zealand Pacific Islands Rotary Conference

July is Rotary New Leadership Month

Week of 12th July

President Albert welcomed 21 members and two guests to the first meeting of the new Rotary year, and his first full meeting as president.  After the opening formalities, which included an acknowledgment of country (a new practice for our club), Albert began another new tradition (well, it will become tradition if this continues) of acknowledging a member celebrating a birthday this week, who happened to be John Nulty. Before starting on dinner, guest Rachel McPhail spoke on her initiative to have Aboriginal place names recognised by Australia Post.  AusPost has been supportive of her project, and is permitting customers to include the traditional place name of an addressee between the name and address of the addressee, as shown in the sample below:

John Nulty thanked Rachel for her enthusiastic talk and presented her with token of thanks. [If you’re interested in Australian traditional place names, please visit the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies website (click HERE).]

President Albert thanked those members who showed up at Adrian and Wendy Lindner’s property on Sunday to cut for firewood for needy shire residents.  The good rollup made the task go quickly, which was aided by the beautiful weather on the day (see photo below).  The workers were rewarded with muffins freshly baked by Wendy.

The meeting concluded with a rousing fine session led by fill-in Sergeant-at-Arms Dick and the weekly raffle, which was won by Howard and Grahame.

DIARY

*Monday 19th July – Speaker meeting.  Carla Gash, new solicitor from Commins Hendriks, “Wills, Power of Attorney and  Enduring Guardianship.”  Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.

Saturday 24th July – Street Raffle. Coolamon Newsagency, 7:30 am – noon. Roster TBA.

Monday 26th July – Club Assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday 28th July – Narrandera RC Changeover Dinner. Narrandera Golf Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

Monday 16th August – Regular meeting with visit from Area Governor: Elaine Almond, new D9705 Area Governor, will be our guest on the evening. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6.30 for 7:00 pm.  Board members are requested to arrive at 6.00 pm to meet with Elaine prior to the meeting.

Above PDG Bruce Gruber D9700 1992-1993 presenting AG Elaine Almond with the DG’s Rotarian of the Year 2018-2019  award for D9700, originally established by PDG Bruce.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler:  DEATH

This week’s puzzler:

The Pope has one but doesn’t use it.
Your father has one but your mother uses it.
Nuns do not need one.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a big one.
Michael J. Fox’s is quite small.
What is it?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  Monthly Themes

Each month Rotary has a theme except July which some call the transition month or the new leaders month.  The majority of the 11 monthly themes are associated with the past six Areas of Service now SEVEN.  The new area of service being Supporting the Environment.

As July is usually deemed to be new leaders moth moves are afoot to call July:

July is Rotary Supporting the Environment Month.

https://www.rotary.org/en/supporting-environment-becomes-new-area-focus

AND:

https://www.rotary.org/en/why-climate-change-issue-rotary

The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.

More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years. Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact.

In 1990-91, RI President Paulo V.C. Costa made the environment one of his primary causes, creating the Preserve Planet Earth subcommittee, which looked at ways clubs and members could conduct environmental initiatives.

“We have finally caught up to Costa [his vision],” says Past RI President Ian H.S. Riseley, chair of the Environmental Issues task force, which championed the new area of focus.

“As a lifelong environmentalist, I’m delighted that our great organization has recognized that the environment is a worthy and appropriate destination for our project activity,” says Riseley. “This is an exciting moment in Rotary history.”

Supporting the environment becomes Rotary’s seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global grants. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.

Grant applications for projects will be accepted beginning on 1 July 2021. Gifts and commitments from Rotarians and others will be sought to provide global grant support for the new area of focus.

Current Rotary Monthly Themes 2021-2022

JULY

No special designation

1 July — Start of new Rotary officers’ year of service

AUGUST

Membership and Extension Month

SEPTEMBER

Basic Education and Literacy Month

OCTOBER

Economic and Community Development Month

NOVEMBER

Rotary Foundation Month

DECEMBER

Disease Prevention and Treatment Month

JANUARY

Vocational Service Month

FEBRUARY

Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month

23 February — Rotary’s 117th. anniversary

MARCH

Water and Sanitation Month

APRIL

Maternal and Child Health Month

MAY

Youth Service Month

JUNE

Rotary Fellowships Month

2.  Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus

Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever.

https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes

The Rotary Foundation strives to process grants efficiently and ensure the quality of grant-funded projects. In each policy statement, you’ll find lists of eligible and ineligible activities, including examples of the types of projects that Rotary clubs and districts have successfully implemented. All grant requests must comply with the policy statement related to their intended area of focus. Project planning is the responsibility of the host club or district.

Areas_of_Focus_Policy_Statements_en

Down load the above file and you will see how to apply for grants from our foundation for any worthwhile project that falls under one or more of the seven areas of focus.

So far our club has been the beneficiary of three grants from our Foundation.  Two came under Maternal and Child Health for Hout Bay in Cape Town and the other under Basic Education and Literacy for Narok in Kenya.

July is Rotary New Leadership Month

Week of 5th July

This week’s meeting was the 50th changeover of the Rotary Club of Coolamon.  Similar to last year’s changeover, we had to limit attendance to members only despite the fact that we had been preparing for 70+ members and guests for the occasion until last week, when new COVID restrictions in New South Wales dictated that we should not be holding a large indoor gathering when Sydney was in lockdown and events such as weddings and funerals were limited to a handful of guests throughout the state.  We did one allow one guest on the evening, which will be explained below.

Past President Daryl Breust chaired the changeover, and welcomed 22 members and one guest to the event.  The changeover followed the format typical of our changeovers except for the deletion of numerous toasts and singing of the national anthem (no singing at gatherings in NSW at present!).  Following a delicious three-course Chinese dinner, outgoing President Howard summarised the highlights of the past year, including the monetary donations to a range of needy recipients and charitable organisations in Australia and around the world, which amounted to over $29,000. Following that, Howard inducted Albert Suidgeest as the president for 2021-2022, who in turn thanked Howard for his service over the past year and introduced his board for 2021-2022, which included Paul Weston (President-Elect), John Glassford (Secretary), Henk Hulsman (Treasurer), Neil Munro (Foundation), Dick Jennings (Membership), Anne Rzeszkowski (Youth), Ian Jennings (Club Administration), Daryl Breust (Service Projects), Grahame Miles (Pubic Image), John Bond (Sergeant-at-Arms) and Howard Atkinson (Immediate Past President).

After the changeover, we had a special addition to the night’s proceedings, which was the induction of our newest member, Adrian Lindner.  Adrian was introduced by his sponsor, Ian Jennings, and was inducted by President Albert under the classification of Accountant/Grazier.  Adrian was applauded by those in attendance, and then introduced his wife, Wendy, our lone guest on the evening.  Welcome, Adrian!

As usual, the meeting concluded with a fine session and raffle.  New Sergeant-at-Arms John Bond got stuck right into it, levying many humourous fines on the members.  The raffle was won by Howard, with the minor prize going to Grahame.

We wish all members a great new Rotary year and hope to see you at our dinner meetings and special events in the coming year!

DIARY

Saturday July 10th – Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee RC Changeover Dinner.

Sunday July 11th – Firewood Gathering at Adrian Lindner’s Property, 2.00 pm.  Wendy will provide afternoon tea.  755 Lindner Lane off Tooyal Road.

Sunday July 11th – Junee RC Changeover Luncheon. NB The Junee changeover is now members-only.

Monday July 12th – Speaker meeting.  Rachel McFail speaking on “Indigenous place names campaign”. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7:00 pm.

Wednesday July 14th– First Board Meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 7:00 pm. Date TBC.

Saturday July 24th – Coolamon RC Street Raffle. Coolamon Newsagency, 7:30 am – noon. Roster TBA.

Wednesday 28th July – Narrandera RC Change Over Dinner. Narrandera Golf Club, 6.30 for 7.00 pm.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler: First, the man takes the goat across the river, leaving the vegetables safely with the lion.  The man leaves the goat on the opposite bank and comes back and ferries the lion across the river.  The man then takes the goat back to the starting side of the river, drops it off there and takes the vegetables across to the far side, leaving them there with the lion.  The man comes back one last time and picks up the goat, taking him across the river to the opposite side, and the group resume their journey.

This week’s puzzler: 

I am feared by many people,
but scramble my letters
and I become hated.

What am I?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  R.I. Presidential Message

R.I.P. Shekhar and Rashi Mehta R.I. President 2021-22

I wish each of you and your families a great Rotary New Year! Together, let us make it the best year of our lives, by making it a year to grow more and do more. Let this be a year of changemakers, and let us begin with our membership.

Click here for full message

2. District Governor Leo Farrelly OAM

3.  President Albert Suidgeest

July is Rotary New Leadership Month

Week of 28th June

President Howard welcomed 15 members and one guest (prospective member Mary Potts) to his last weekly meeting as president.  The meeting was primarily social in nature, as dictated by el presidente, so there’s little to report in the way of business. The members in attendance voted to make our changeover a members-only affair, compelled by the desire to reduce the risk of becoming a “super-spreader” event and keep in line with NSW regulations regarding indoor gatherings.  While it’s true that we could have proceeded with the event and still adhere to state guidelines, it would have required awkward spacing and reconfiguration of the meeting venue on top of the need to have attendees wear face masks except while eating and drinking.  Although we would have preferred to proceed with the event, the consensus was that in light of the above reasons, the prudent course of action was to conduct the changeover without guests, and have a more celebratory gathering at a later date.

The only other item of note was PE Albert’s announcement that he had booked a street raffle date of 24 July for the club.  A roster will be distributed at a later date.  The meeting concluded with an entertaining fine session comprised mainly of cross-fines as Albert’s spy network was apparently on leave for the past week.  The raffle was won by Paul, with secondary prizes going to Chez and Henk.  The members applauded Howard for his year of service at the helm and a job well done.

DIARY

Saturday July 3rd – Temora RC Changeover Dinner. Temora Golf Club, 6.30 for 7 pm, $40 per head. Dress: jacket and tie.

Monday July 5th – Coolamon Rotary Club Changeover.  Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm. Members only.

Saturday July 10th – Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee RC Changeover Dinner.

Sunday July 11th – Junee RC Changeover Luncheon.

Monday July 12th – First Meeting for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year.

* denotes partner and guest night

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler: DOZENS

This week’s puzzler: Here’s an oldie but a goodie.  A man is on a journey with a lion, a goat, and a basket of vegetables. On the way, he comes to a river, which he must cross with a boat moored to the riverbank.  The boat can carry only two things at a time. If he takes the vegetables, the lion will eat the goat. If he takes the lion, the goat will eat the vegetables. How does he cross the river with everything intact?

ROTARY NEWS

1.  ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS

There are around 90 different Rotary Fellowships that you can join with like minded people from around the world.

One that some members may like is the International Fellowship of Cricket Loving Rotarians.

IFRP- The INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF ROTARIAN PHOTOGRAPHERS is for Rotarians & Rotaractors only, who practice Photography in Professional, advanced, amateur, hobby or in beginner levels.

Welcome to the Facebook page of the IFRP:

Photo by Alessandro Lari

Cremations of the dead take place in the surroundings of the Pashupatinath temple, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal in Kathmandu, along the Bagmati River.

Many Sadhus live along the river (consider that between Nepal and India it is thought that they exceed 6/7 million individuals) practicing tapas (mantra recitation, magical rituals, breath control, yoga, unifying the body and soul ) which tends to increase their spiritual energy allowing them to reach a state of semi-divinity.

The sādhu shivaïti sprinkle their bodies with ashes, a symbol of death and rebirth. In the image and likeness of Shiva, they wear extremely long hair and, as Shiva used to do, large numbers ritually consume hashish (tolerated by the government despite being forbidden) to “lift the veil of maya” which means to finally perceive the all-creating and all-connecting matrix ceaselessly, and this vision generates liberation. Being aware of it is the only way to conquer the meaning of life, to be “awakened to life”!

2. Coolamon Rotarians Out & About

Leslie and Paul Weston on the weekend showing their prize dogs and winning.

End of the Rotary year approaches and some of our members are out and about at change over dinners:

PDG John Glassford and Susan Glassford at the Wollundry Wagga RC change over dinner held at the Wagga RSL.  John was representing the District Governor.

PP David Benn reciting bush poems at the Wollundry change over as always most entertaining.

Photos above by PDG John Egan

June is Rotary Fellowship Month

Graphics by Debbie Vance McKay from Canada.

Week of 21st June

President Howard welcomed 17 members and 1 guest to our weekly meeting, which featured a presentation by Ann Baker (Howard’s partner) on Vitality Passport, a program coordinated by Ann and funded by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.  The program, which is run by Back on Track Physiotherapy (based in Corowa), aims to enhance the quality of life for ‘older’ community members through exercise, nutrition and cognitive training.  There’s no minimum age to participate, but the program is aimed at people who might be starting to lose muscle mass and balance, and would benefit from exercise regimes to maintain physical and cognitive function.  Proper nutrition is a key part to maintaining these functions, and is an integral part of the program, which is tailored to the individual needs of all participants.  A version of the program for women has been running for some time, but the organisers are currently expanding the program to benefit men in Coolamon.  Interested parties should contact Ann on 0417 469 821.  Howard thanked Ann for an interesting presentation and presented her with a token of appreciation.

The meeting concluded with an amusing fine session led by Sergeant at Arms Albert and raffle; few were spared recognition by Albert, with Grahame and Dick copping a hefty share of the fines, and Albert even fined himself in the melee!  The raffle was won by Garth.

Rotary Driving Simulator Visits Coolamon Central School

The Rotary driver training simulator, operated by the Rotary Club of Young, made a visit to Coolamon Central School last week.  The simulator, which is ferried to schools throughout the former Rotary District 9700 by Rotarian Frank Lincoln, provides an opportunity for high school students to experience driving under a range of conditions, including simulated effects of alcohol and using mobile devices on driving.  The Rotary Club of Young has been running this program for several years now , but was suspended last year because of COVID restrictions.  Coolamon Rotarians Adrian Lindner and Anne Rzeszkowski were on hand to ensure that the program ran smoothly last Thursday and Friday. The Rotary Club of Coolamon also assisted by paying the cost of getting the simulator to Coolamon.

DIARY

Wednesday June 23rd – PE Albert Suidgeest’s Board Planning Meeting. 6.30 pm at Albert’s house (Coolamon Boarding Kennels, Doubleday Lane).

Wednesday June 23rd – Wagga Wagga Kooringal Changeover Dinner @ Romano’s.

Saturday June 26th – RI District 9705 Changeover Dinner.  Young Ex-Services Club 6.00 – 8.30 pm.

Monday June 28th – Final CRC Meeting for the 20-21 Rotary Year. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club, 6:30 for 7 pm.

Monday June 28th – RC of South Wagga Wagga Changeover Dinner.  Rules Club Wagga Wagga  6.00 for 6.30pm Cost $45 per head.  RSVP Karen McNally:  [email protected]

Wednesday June 30th – RC of Narrandera Changeover Dinner

Saturday July 3rd – Temora RC Changeover Dinner. Temora Golf Club, 6.30 for 7 pm, $40 per head. Dress: jacket and tie.

* Monday July 5th – Coolamon Rotary Club Changeover.  Coolamon Sport and Rec Club, 6.30 for 7 pm.

Saturday July 10th – Wagga Wagga Murrumbidgee RC Changeover Dinner.

Sunday July 11th – Junee RC Changeover Luncheon.

Monday July 12th – First Meeting for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year.

* denotes partner and guest night

JUST FOR LAUGHS

THE PUZZLER

Answer to last week’s puzzler: Needle in a haystack

This week’s puzzler: 

A word I know,
six letters it contains
subtract just one,
and twelve is what remains.

ROTARY NEWS

1.  ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS

There are around 90 different Rotary Fellowships that you can join with like minded people from around the world.

One that some members may like is the International Fellowship of Cricket Loving Rotarians.

Welcome to the website of IFRC, the International Fellowship of Cricket Loving Rotarians:

Cricket Loving Rotarians Fellowship

2.  COVID 19 IN KENYA

About District 9212 Emergency Response Initiative

The novel corona virus (Covid 19) caught both government and privately-owned health systems by surprise. Management of the viral infection required a lot of investments and significant changes to our practices and behaviours, to minimize further spread of the virus in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan.

Rotarians, being problem-solvers, were concerned. In District 9212, there were some consultations that les to the development of a committee that started by analysing the situation with a view to finding immediate and long-term solutions to flattening the curve.

Following a thorough needs assessment and consultations, we agreed on the following as our scope of work: Treatment: Supporting frontline medical staff through the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) and other resources that will lead to positive outcomes. Prevention: Buying and distributing hand washing stations for use in informal settlements across Kenya, with a view to creating a hand washing behavioural change among low income earners. Sustenance: Provision of food and other essential supplies to low income earners whose livelihoods have been affected by government measures aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.

Members of Rotary has been able to register the following achievements: Washing the hands of more than 1 million people within the first three weeks of the deployment. Providing 25 counties within the first month of distribution of hand washing stations. Entered into strategic partnerships with like-minded institutions to spread our reach in a structured and organized manner. Creating a behavioural change campaign that promotes regular handwashing using soap and water. Provided an opportunity to have members of Rotary to be “People of Action” around one theme across the four countries in District 9212.

MEET OUR TEAM

5,000,000+ Hand Washes Country wide 45,952+ Food hampers beneficiaries so far distributed in Kenya by Rotary Clubs in D9212.

June is Rotary Fellowship Month

Graphics by Debbie Vance McKay from Canada.