Africa

Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin # 7

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Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #7

BUSINESS MEETING August 13th. 2012

We had 9 members present tonight.  It was a combined business and board meeting.  President Paul welcomed us and said how pleasing it was to have had such a succesful meeting last week with Linda Tilman and 63 present at that meeting.  A follow up meeting will be held on Monday 3rd September and those who were invited on the 3rd will recieve a return invitation to workshop ideas on how to improve their own business in the Coolamon Shire.

We welcomed back Neil Munro from his fact finding trip to the USA in particular Arizona.  Neil gave a short talk on the adventure and was impressed by the the tour that was organised with visits to John Deere factories which covered 100 acres.  Neil was also impressed with the Grand Canyon.  Neil said that the USA is in the grip of a drought which is affecting this year’s wheat and corn harvest.  The positive side to this drought is that wheat prices are going up and up.

John Deere Web Site

REMINDER THAT THE HON. MICHAEL McCORMACK IS OUR GUEST ON 24th SEPTEMBER

SASA DESIGNS KENYA

This one of the best projects that I have seen lately.  Sasa Designs are run by an organisation called DOOR and it is to give hope to deaf women in Nairobi.  Unemployment is at a high 60% rate in Kenya and if you are impaired in anyway there is no hope to get work and hence live.  A young Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Megan MacDonald works with Sasa Designs which in Swahili means now.  We met Megan at the Los Angleles Rotary Convention and have stayed in touch ever since.  Megan studied at the University of Nairobi in economics for micro credit projects.

Here is Megan’s Blog and Megan writes beautifully.  There She Goes

Rotarian Megan MacDonald

Here are some of the beautiful jewellery made by the deaf ladies at Sasa Designs.

We hope to have some of these items in Wagga Wagga soon for sale at Uneke.

 

SASA Designs

 

Rotary International 2012-13 President Sakuji Tanaka

Dear fellow Rotarians,

During August, Membership and Extension Month in Rotary, I’m asking all Rotarians to send a unified message about what Rotary is and why they joined. If we convey our passion for Rotary to others I’m convinced that membership will increase.

So please share your special Rotary Moment with someone and help promote Rotary’s humanitarian mission and our goal to achieve Peace Through Service.

 

8月は会員増強・拡大月間です。自分がなぜロータリアンとなったのかを私たち全員が考え、ロータリーへの情熱を人々と分かち合うことによって、さらに多くの仲間と共に奉仕を通じて平和を築いていけることを願っています。

I was delighted to be able to join Consul General of Japan Okamura, District Governor Merriweather, and other Rotarians from District 6450 on the Rotary Float in the 83rd Annual Bud Billiken Day Parade. The cheers from the crowd brought huge smiles to our faces as we raised our hands together for peace.

Sakuji Tanaka
President, Rotary International

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

This ought to make you feel better about your computer skills!

Real recorded conversations!

From
Jesse Tanchanco
RC Loyola Heights
RID 3780
Quezon City, Philippines

Tech  support:    What kind of computer do you have?
Customer: A  white one.

******************************

Tech support:   Click on the ‘my computer’ icon on to the left of the screen.

Customer:    Your left or my left?

****************************

Customer:    Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha, I can’t print. Every time I try, it says, ‘Can’t
find  printer.’  I’ve even lifted the printer and placed it in front
of the monitor, but the computer still says he can’t find it.

****************************

Tech  support:    What’s on your monitor now, ma’am?
Customer:    A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the 7-11.

****************************
Customer:   My keyboard is not working anymore.
Tech  support:   Are you sure it’s plugged into the computer?
Customer:   No. I can’t get behind the computer.
Tech  support:    Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back.
Customer: OK!
Tech support:   Did the  keyboard come with you?
Customer: Yes.
Tech support:   That means the keyboard is not plugged in.

****************************
Customer:   I can’t get on the Internet.
Tech support:    Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer:   Yes, I’m sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech  support:    Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer:   Five dots.

****************************
Tech  support:    What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.
Tech support:   That’s not an anti-virus program.
Customer:   Oh, sorry… Internet Explorer…

****************************
Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen saver on my computer, but
every time I move the mouse, it disappears.

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Tech support:    How may I help you?
Customer:   I’m writing my first email.
Tech support:    OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer:   Well, I have the letter ‘a’ in the address, but how do I get the little circle around
it?

****************************
This one and the next are our personal favorites!
A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support:   Are you running it under windows?
Customer:   ‘No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle
next to me is under a window, and his printer is working fine.’

****************************
And last but not least!
Tech  support: ‘Okay Bob, let’s press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list
in the middle of the screen.. Now type the letter ‘P’ to bring up the Program  Manager.’
Customer:   I don’t have a P.
Tech  support:   On your keyboard, Bob.
Customer:   What do yo
mean?
Tech support: ‘P’……on  your keyboard, Bob.
Customer:   I’M NOT GOING TO DO THAT!

 

 

ROTARY INFORMATION

MEMBERSHIP IDEAS FOR RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS

The Rotary Club of Cotonou Ifê, Benin, celebrates Rotary’s anniversary with a cake in February. The club is one of several formed recently in Benin

Eight years ago, Géné Villaça-Crestia was asked by her district governor to start a new Rotary club in her country, Benin.

She had been a Rotarian for only four years and didn’t really know where to begin. But she had a few things working in her favor: Villaça-Crestia is extremely passionate about Rotary, and she doesn’t take no for an answer.

“I don’t hesitate to drive to people’s places and come back again,” says Villaça-Crestia of her recruitment style. “I don’t wait for them to get back to me and tell me they don’t have time. I insist and go after them until they understand what Rotary is all about and the good it will do them to join.”

Villaça-Crestia’s techniques have been extremely effective. Within three months of her district governor’s request, she helped launch the Rotary Club of Cotonou Rive Gauche, Benin, and became the charter president. During the next two years, she helped form three other clubs, including two composed almost entirely of younger Rotarians.

 

MORE HERE

 

Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka

Governor of District 9700  Greg Brown

Coolamon Club President  Paul Weston

Coolamon Club Secretary  John Glassford

Coolamon Club Treasurer  Henk Hulsman

Coolamon Rotary Club Inc. P.O. Box 23 COOLAMON N.S.W. 2701

Websites of Interest

Coolamon Rotary Club: http://coolamonrotary.com

Road MAPS to Africa a Coolamon Rotary Project: http://www.mountainsofthemoon.org/

Rotary Down Under on line: http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/26587/49598/pub

Rotarians For Fighting AIDS AUSTRALIA: http://theork.com/

Our Rotary Centennial Twin Club Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa: http://www.rotaryhoutbay.org

 

Don’t forget to regularly check our club web site for current information such as bingo rosters and various newsletters from the District Governor, the School of St. Jude’s, the monthly membership on the move newsletter as well as several other club bulletins.

 

Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin # 6

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Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin # 6

DINNER MEETING August 6th. 2012

We had 12 members and partners present with some 51 guests from Coolamon and Ganmain attend Monday night’s meeting.  This was an exceptional night with Linda Tilman from Coolamon speaking on marketing the Coolamon Shire.  Coolamon and Ganmain business leaders, shop keepers and those interested in Linda Tilman’s talk enjoyed a Chinese banquet and good fellowship.  President Paul Weston welcomed all the guests and spoke about our Rotary club and what we do for our community and for Africa.

Linda Tilman then presented the goals and activities for Coolamon Shire and the plans that are in place to encourage people to shop locally and for tourism to prosper in our Shire.  Above all Linda placed a huge emphasis on marketing your own business through the Internet and using social media such as Facebook, and Twitter.  Linda pointed out two key targets to achieve these aims which are local residents, their families and friends and day trippers to our Shire.

The presentation by Linda was well received and there was a lengthy question time with just about everyone having a say and asking meaningful questions. Bill Thomnpson one of Coolamon’s leading lights thanked our Rotary club for putting this evening together.  Leslie Weston thanked Linda on behalf of our club and presented Linda with our Kangaroo money bag pouch.

All in all a very successful night and one enjoyed by all with President Paul calling for a follow up meeting in one month’s time.

VISIT US IN THE COOLAMON SHIRE.

 

Our banners now flying in Coolamon with more to go up in Ganmain in the near future.


Rotary International 2012-13 President Sakuji Tanaka

Ethiopian President Girma Woldegioris and President Tanaka

Dear fellow Rotarians,

What is Rotary? When I ask Rotarians this question, they often give vague answers. And when I asked myself this question, I had to think about it. August is Membership and Extension Month in Rotary, and I want all Rotarians to be able to send a unified message about what Rotary is and why they joined.

The key to increasing membership is for every Rotarian to be convinced that it’s good to be a Rotarian, and to convey that passion to others. In Rotary, we have a tendency to be humble and keep our achievements to ourselves. But we must share them with those around us and with the world.

Every Rotarian has a specific moment that stands out and has a special meaning. Some people refer to this as their “Rotary Moment.” I believe it is very important to share this moment with others. Facts and numbers can only go so far, but sharing a personal experience can open doors and build friendships.

That’s why I decided to create some sample messages that I call “Rotary Moments.” You can use these one-minute and three-minute messages to answer the question “What is Rotary?” in a way that is most personal to you. They will help you talk about the projects you’ve been involved in, how they’ve helped your community, and what’s been most meaningful to you.

To strengthen Rotary, we need more members. But unless those members are convinced of the benefits of the organization and can share that passion with others, expanding Rotary won’t be meaningful.

If every Rotarian is happy about being a Rotarian and spreads the word with a clear, unified message – if every Rotarian around the world can be his or her own PR department – the combined, collective effect will be enormous. These sample messages will help us all clearly communicate our enthusiasm to others. This will lead to an increase in new membership and in member retention.

The messages are available for free download at www.rotary.org, and Rotarians can buy other membership materials at shop.rotary.org.

I believe that the purpose of every life is to help others and contribute to society. Once Rotarians begin using these samples, the world will become more aware of how Rotary is helping people live that way. I encourage you to share your Rotary Moment with other Rotarians as well as non-Rotarians.

Sakuji Tanaka
President, Rotary International

PRESIDENT PAUL WESTON’S REPORT

What a night!  We saw a great turnout of local business owners/operators and other guests on Monday night to hear Linda Tillman lay out her marketing plan for promoting the Coolamon Shire.  After a bountiful Chinese banquet prepared by Gilbert and staff, Linda described the two-pronged approach to boosting business and tourism in the shire, one focused on encouraging local residents to shop locally and the other catering to day-trippers and visitors.  A number of initiatives and promotions have been started to alert out-of-towners to the unique charms and quirky shops of Coolamon and other towns in the shire.  A spirited question and answer session followed, highlighting the passion of local business operators for our shire and its future.  Leslie closed the session with a warm vote of thanks for Linda and a promise of future dinner meetings to further progress the programs that Linda and Rotary have initiated.  The evening concluded with the raffle draw, with a plentiful meat tray prepared by Coolamon Butchery, a lovely bottle of shiraz donated by John Glassford, and a $50 voucher to Phoenix Cards ending up in the hands of three lucky guests on the night.  A good time was had by all.

Onward and upward!

Yours in Rotary,

Paul.

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

 

Up the creek with a paddle

WHY SOME MEN HAVE A DOG AND NO WIFE

1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.

2. Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another dog’s name.

3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.

4. A dog’s parents never visit.

5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.

6. Dogs find you amusing when you’re drunk.

7. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.

8. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, “If I died, would you get another dog?”

9. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.

10. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.

11. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don’t get mad. They just think it’s interesting.

And last, but not least:

12. If a dog leaves, it won’t take half of your stuff.

To test this theory:

Lock your wife and your dog in the garage for an hour. Then open it and see who’s happy to see you.

 

ROTARY INFORMATION

ROTARIAN ACTION GROUPS

Rotarian Action Groups provide assistance and support to Rotary clubs and districts in planning and implementing service projects in their respective areas of expertise. They are autonomous, international groups organized by committed Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses, and Rotaractors who have expertise in and a passion for a particular type of service.  We looked briefly at the new Future Vision last week from our Foundation.   RAGs will play a pivotal part in the implementation of the Future Vision;  for example one of the new Rotarian Action Groups is the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group or WASRAG.  WASRAG will work in the Water and sanitation area of focus and here is their web site:

WASRAG

Full list of Rotarian Action Groups RAG

Water Carriers

Click on the images above for a larger photo and note the yellow cans in the open drain where these people collect their water from.

President of Rotary International  Sakuji Tanaka

Governor of District 9700  Greg Brown

Coolamon Club President  Paul Weston

Coolamon Club Secretary  John Glassford

Coolamon Club Treasurer  Henk Hulsman

Coolamon Rotary Club Inc. P.O. Box 23 COOLAMON N.S.W. 2701

Websites of Interest

Coolamon Rotary Club: http://coolamonrotary.com

Rotary Down Under on line: http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/26587/49598/pub

Rotarians For Fighting AIDS: http://www.rffa.org

Our Rotary Centennial Twin Club Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa: http://www.rotaryhoutbay.org

 

Don’t forget to regularly check our club web site for current information such as bingo rosters and various newsletters from the District Governor, the School of St. Jude’s, the monthly membership on the move newsletter as well as several other club bulletins.

 

 

 

 

US Senate Passes Polio Bill

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Reach Out To Africa.
Polio Victim in Kampala December 2011

Have a read of this bill passed by the US Senate Rotary is at the forefront of the polio campaign

POLIO BILL US Senate:

On Tuesday, the US Senate unanimously approved a resolution that commends Rotary for its leadership in polio eradication. It also encourages the federal government to continue its commitment to (and funding for) polio eradication. A great step towards the goal of freeing the world of this disease! The posted link is for the actual resolution.

Tracy Monica from Mathare

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We would like to introduce you all to Tracy Monica.  Tracy gave us Mountains of the Moon team a wonderful speech in Mathare last December.  Here it is: mathare-speech Once you have read this then have a look at Tracy’s 1st term report at Secondary School below, click on the image and enlarge it:

Tracy’s 1st Term Report

1st Term Report

Following our visit to Mathare and meeting Tracy we decided to support her into Bishop Okoth’s Secondary School for Vulnerable girls.  We are going ot honour Tracy’s request to us at Mathare to help 200 of her peers who are now ready to go to Secondary School and who are vulnerable and at risk where they live now.

Tracy Monica Ochieng

Tracy can be seen in her new school uniform proud as punch as we are of her efforts in her 1st term at her new school.  If you want to help us get other girls and boys out of Mathare please contact us via our email which is: [email protected]. Or call me on 61 2 6927 6027 anytime.

 

RI Photography Competition

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Message from PDG Bruce Barber:

“Hi John,

I have just read the June, photography issue of the Rotarian and congratulations for your Honorable Mention for your shot in Uganda of a gorilla. To have the RC of Coolamon mentioned in the Rotarian is a great honor.

Regards,

Bruce”

Here is a link to the article in the June issue of The Rotarian:

RI Photo Competition

Here is the photo that I entered:

Love my tucker!