Bulletins

Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #15

by

Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #15

MEETING October 15th. 2012

Speakers Tonight were PDG Fred Loneragan and John Glassford

Subject Road MAPS to Africa.

We had the following visitors:  From Junee Rotary Club Peter Commens, John Higginson, Ian Good, Doug Bell, from Henty Rotary Club, Ron Wellington, Mark Janetzki, from Lockhart Rotary Club, Bob “Babu” Kendell, Alan Mulholland, Bryan Burgess, Colin Wiese, Bob Toose and from Wagga Wagga Sunrise Rotary Club, Max Chapman and PDG Fred Loneragan.  From Italy Enrico and Ricardo and from Ganmain Susan Wingate-Pearse.

Ten members from our club were also in attendance, Paul Weston, Henk Hulsman, John Glassford, Mark Reardon, Dick Jennings, Christine Atkinson, Ian Jennings, John Burns, Neil Munro and Ian Durham.

Dick Jennings ran a chook raffle and there were two chooks on offer.

The presentation on Africa was in three parts showing where we had been where we are today and where we are going tomorrow.  To date Road MAPS and District 9700 with PDG Fred Loneragan has raised $238,000 for our projects there.  These include:

The School of St Jude’s in Moshono Tanzania.

Bishop Masereka’s Medical Clinic in Kasase Uganda

Orphan Rescue in Mathare Kenya

Coolamon House in Hout Bay South Africa.

The presentation concentrated on sustainability and the two main projects we will be supporting over the next three years, Orphan Rescue Kits for Mathare and Tracy’s 200 and Coolamon House in Cape Town.   The 3 year plan for awareness and fund raising will be centered on World AIDS Day December 1st for the next 3 years:

The Lunch Bag

Fred and John then went onto outline the project planned for ANZAC Day 2015 climbing Mount Kenya in aid of Legacy in Australia, the Returned Services Association in New Zealand and our two African projects.  More information will become avialable over the next few months.

PRESIDENT PAUL WESTON’S REPORT

President’s report

This past Monday, the club and our many guests were treated to a very interesting presentation and a challenge by John Glassford and Fred Lonergan.  John and Fred described progress to date on the “Roadmaps to Africa” fundraising campaign spearheaded by John and fabulously supported by Fred and the Rotary Foundation.  To date, $238,000 has been raised by their efforts, centred on climbs of notable mountain peaks in Africa (e.g. Mount Kilimanjaro and Mountains of the Moon/Mount Margherita).  The funds have been used to support programs aimed at easing life for the millions of AIDS orphans in Africa, children who have had the misfortune of being born into families whose parents have been victims of the AIDS epidemic.  Pretty remarkable stuff.

Now the challenge: to raise funds to provide educational opportunities for 200 of these AIDS orphans.  John and Fred described how $450 can provide the funds needed to send one of these children through primary school ($600 for secondary school).  The focus on education is plain: without education, these children have virtually no opportunity to escape the fate that befell their parents.  However, a very modest monetary investment provides these children with a sound education that will give them the footing to lead productive lives.  This investment in education began with one 14-year old girl (Tracy), and now the challenge is to raise funds for 200 of Tracy’s contemporaries to provide similar opportunities for them.  The starting point in this fund-raiser is to have people sacrifice their lunch money for one day (AIDS awareness day, coming up in December).  Small donations such as this can add up to substantial sums, so John and Fred hope a fair bit of the funding for this challenge will be raised this way.  Of course, individuals and groups can sponsor a child in whole.  Look for details on this program in the very near future.  It was inspiring to see how much of  a difference a few people working together can make; hats off to John, Fred, Craig Corrigan (who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro), Mark Janetzki of Henty Rotary (who climbed Mt. Margherita), and the other climbers who sacrificed time and money to make this possible.

Our next meeting features a workshop for the owners and operators of businesses in the Coolamon Shire who are interested in learning how to enhance their businesses via electronic media.  This digital marketing workshop will be run by a firm based in Wagga, and will show businesspeople how to use the internet and social media to increase their customer base and profitability.  The cost of the workshop is being shared by our club and the Coolamon Shire Council in order to encourage business owners and operators to learn about this increasingly important avenue of communication with existing and potential customers.  Members of our club are welcome to attend for the usual cost of a dinner catered by Gilbert ($20).

Things keep rolling along, so don’t sit on the sidelines for too long!  I hope to see you at the digital marketing workshop.  The following week, being a fifth Monday, will be purely an opportunity for fellowship (a dinner hosted by Ian and Marilyn Jennings), so save that date as well.

Onward and upward!

Yours in Rotary,

Paul

 

DIARY REMINDERS

Saturday October 20th Coolamon and Ganmain Hospital Fete 9.00am at the hospital grounds, volunteers needed for the chocolate wheel.

Volunteers so far Clare Munro, Ian Durham, Dick Jennings, Ian Jennings, Mark Reardon, Paul Weston and John Glassford.

*Monday 22nd October WORKSHOP for Coolamon Shire Business people on how to use the Internet for marketing your business facilitated by Linda Tillman and sponsored by Coolamon Rotary and the Coolamon Shire Council.

*Monday 29th October Social Night at Marilyn and Ian Jennings home. Names to Dick Jennings start 6.30 for 7.00pm.  BYO please.

*Monday 5th November Guest Speaker Georgie Roberts from the Red Cross.
Thursday 8th November:    BINGO on duty:   John Burns,  Henk Hulsman,  Leslie Weston & Paul Weston
Monday 12th November AGM and Election of Office Bearers for 2013-2014.
Monday 19th November Ian Durham Speaker on his journey of life.
Sunday November 25th Rotary Markets in Coolamon.
Peace Ceremony in Coolamon February 2013
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April 2013 D9700 Conference Leeton
June 23-26 2013 Rotary International Convention in Lisbon. RI Convention Lisbon
*Partners and Guests Night.
 

 

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT SAKUJI TANAKA

So successful was my attendance of a Rotary club meeting via Skype that invitations for me to attend other online meetings continue pouring in. All requests for online meetings must be in writing and emailed to: [email protected]. Please include your club’s name, address, and a member’s contact information.
Visiting Rotary clubs and projects around the world is a big part of my job as president. So if  I’m unable to visit your club in person I would really enjoy participating in one of your meetings via Skype. I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for your interest.

Rotary International President via Skype

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Three Indian Squaws

There were three Indian squaws. One slept on a deer skin, one slept
on an elk skin, and the third slept on a hippopotamus skin. All three
became pregnant. The first two each had a baby boy. The one who
slept on the hippopotamus skin had twin boys. This just goes to prove
that the squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons of the squaws
of the other two hides. (Some of you may need help with this one).

“Parachuting”

 

A blind man was describing his favorite sport of parachuting. When asked how this was accomplished, he said that things were all done for him.
“I am placed in the door and told when to jump. My hand is placed on my release ring for me and out I go.”
“But, how do you know when you are going to land”? he was asked.  “I have a very keen sense of smell and I can smell the trees and grass when I am 300 feet from the ground,” he answered.
“But, how do you know when to lift your legs for the final arrival on the ground”? he was again asked.  The man quickly answered,
“Oh, the dog’s leash goes slack.”

ROTARY INFORMATION

Resources for Rotarians

Rotary International offers myriad resources to help Rotarians build effective clubs. Effective clubs are able to achieve the Object of Rotary by

  • Sustaining or increasing their membership base
  • Implementing successful service projects that address the needs of their community and communities in other countries
  • Supporting The Rotary Foundation through both financial contributions and program participation
  • Developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level

Club membership

BUCKET LIST

Kamchatka. Eruption Kluchevskoy, NE Russia

TOO CUTE

 

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 #14

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Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #14

MEETING October 8th. 2012

This evening was a business meeting and we got through a lot of  club business.  The minutes will be distributed as soon as possible.

Thanks to Henk Hulsman for catering and for the Kranztki sausages, Dutch potatoes and Dutch cabbage.  All delicious.

NEXT Monday Night 15th October

To all who read this bulletin you are cordially invited to Coolamon this Monday to hear what is next for Africa.

The talk is entitled Road MAPS to Africa Yesterday Today Tomorrow.

As  a prelude to next Monday  night on Africa by PDG Fred Loneragan and John Glassford here are some comments from the beneficiaries of the Mountains of the Moon Climb in 2011.  Last week RAWCS distributed around $40,000 that was raised as a result of the climb to the 4 beneficiaries.

 

Dear John
Thank you very much.We have just been informed by Stanbic Bank in Kasese that the $6,915.20 have already been credited on BMCF account in Uganda.
I want to express our deepest gratitude to you and all our Rotary friends in your area.Please, convey our deep gratitude to every one.We are very proud of of your great and generous support for our ministry among children and the clinic.
More information will follow later.
Regards

+ Zebedee

 

Our Treasurer Roy Graham has told me that your very kind donation amounting to R 56,516,97 has come in to our account. Thank you so much for your continued work on our behalf. You are friends indeed.

This is an absolute lifeline for us given our problems with Foundation and the matching grant. We shall put this toward the defibrilator for which we are awaiting a pro forma invoice or solid quote and as you know, this is a permitted item under the rules and will offset substantially the amount owing.

Patrick has to submit a progress report to Foundation in the immediate future and this will read well. Needless to say, our objective is to get the whole thing settled off and to get us all back in the good books with the Matching Grant people.

I expect that Patrick will be writing to you if he has not done so already. But from me as the President and on behalf of the Board I thank you and the Rotary Club of Coolamon.

Kind regards  Peter Dutton

President Rotary Hout Bay

 

John, hello and hope you are well! Even though I am officially on maternity leave I had to sneak into my office to send a big note of thanks for your wonderful donation of 7k plus! How wonderful!

With your blessings we would love the money to go toward paying for our non academic staff-who keep the school running behind the scenes.

I hope you all had a wonderful trek and thanks again for never forgetting about our school.

Best wishes, Gemma

 

Gemma Sisia
Founder The School of St Jude’s

 

 

DIARY REMINDERS

Thursday 11th October BINGO on duty: Ian Jennings, John Glassford, Grahame Miles, Mark Reardon.
*Monday 15th October Road MAPS to Africa John Glassford.
*Monday 22nd October WORKSHOP for Coolamon Shire Business people on how to use the Internet for marketing your business facilitated by Linda Tillman and sponsored by Coolamon Rotary and the Coolamon Shire Council.
*Monday 29th October Social Night at Marilyn and Ian Jennings home.
*Monday 5th November Guest Speaker Georgie Roberts from the Red Cross.
Thursday 8th November:    BINGO on duty:   John Burns,  Henk Hulsman,  Leslie Weston & Paul Weston
Monday 12th November AGM and Election of Office Bearers for 2013-2014.
Sunday November 25th Rotary Markets in Coolamon.
Peace Ceremony in Coolamon February 2013
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April 2013 D9700 Conference Leeton
June 23-26 2013 Rotary International Convention in Lisbon. RI Convention Lisbon
*Partners and Guests Night.
 

 

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT SAKUJI TANAKA

 

I paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Beijing, my first to a Chinese Rotary club, and I was encouraged by the active involvement of its members in numerous service projects. The president of the Rotary Club of Shanghai was also present. 北京ロータリークラブを訪問いたしました。奉仕活動を盛んに行っているクラブです。上海のクラブからも会長さんが駆けつけてくださいました。大変お世話になりありがとうございました。

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

 

Eleven people were hanging on a rope under a helicopter, ten men and one woman. The rope was not strong enough to carry them all, so they decided that one has to drop off, otherwise they are all going to fall. They were not able to choose that person, but then the woman made a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope, because as woman she was used to giving up everything for her husband and kids, and for men in general, without ever getting anything in return. As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping their hands.

Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says: “Calm down, I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: “OK, now what?”

Arsenic? Jane walked into a pharmacy, strolled over to the counter, and caught the pharmacist’s attention. “Can I please get some arsenic?” she asked. “Arsenic? What do you want arsenic for?” asked the pharmacist. “It’s for my husband,” she replied. “Your husband?” exclaimed the pharmacist, “I hope you don’t mean what I think you mean!” She just nodded. “Well, lady,” he replied, “I’m an honest man. I can’t sell you arsenic, I wouldn’t if I could, and I don’t know what made you think you could just stroll into a respectable store and expect me me to sell you arsenic.!” She didn’t say a word. She just reached into her purse, fished out a photograph, and handed it across the counter. It was a picture of her husband, in bed with the pharmacist’s wife. Slowly the pharmacist looks up, over the counter, and then straight at her. “Lady,” he said, “why didn’t you tell me you had a prescription?”

Air Guitar Strings

ROTARY INFORMATION

OCTOBER IS VOCATIONAL SERVICES MONTH

Michigan club gives students a chance to explore their dream jobs

A vocational service program conducted by the Rotary Club of St. Joseph & Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA, is helping junior and senior high school students develop careers by connecting them with mentors who are leaders in industry. Participants are selected by their schools and given the opportunity to explore their professional interests with behind-the-scenes visits to area businesses. They also meet one-on-one with mentors, who share their experiences and advise the students on how best to pursue their dream careers. Since the club launched the mentoring program in 2008, Rotarians have put more than 300 students in touch with professionals including lawyers, doctors, a Fortune 500 CEO, broadcast journalists, police officers, and a professional football player. Two Rotarians accompany each student who meets with a professional. The students are then required to report on their experiences at a meeting of the Rotary club. “This program leverages Rotary’s amazing network of professionals to help young people connect with their career interests,” says Jackie Huie, program chair and president of the St. Joseph & Benton Harbor club. “We have not had a vocation that we couldn’t find for a student.” The experience gives teenagers a chance either to reinforce their career choices or to rethink them, says Huie. Teri LaForest, a senior and a 2012 program participant, wanted to become a meteorologist. The club organized a meeting with a meteorologist at the local TV station. After the visit, LaForest concluded that that job might not be for her but that she still had a passion for environmental science.

 

High school senior Teri LaForest (right) meets with local TV meteorologist Cindi Clawson as part of a vocational service project conducted by the Rotary Club of St. Joseph & Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of St. Joseph & Benton Harbor.


FULL STORY HERE.


TOO CUTE

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 #13

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Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #13

MEETING October 2nd. 2012

Junee Rotary Club Joint Meeting

Normally we would not be meeting on a long weekend, however we had a very good reason to go to Junee on Tuesday evening.  Past President of our club Dick Jennings nominated Past President Roger Quine from the Junee Rotary Club to receive a Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Pin.   The nomination was endorsed unanimously by our members.  Dick said that Roger was and still is an outstanding supporter of our club, and has been for many years.  So President Paul Weston, Dick Jennings, Ian Jennings and John Glassford attended this meeting and presentation.

Paul called Roger up and presented the PHF Sapphire to Roger, Dick also spoke in support of the award and all present congratulated Roger on his award.  Roger was extremely surprised and very humble in accepting his PHF Sapphire.  Fay Quine told us that she had a huge blister on her tongue from having to keep the secret from Roger.  Making it even harder was the fact that the Quine’s were expecting news of the imminent birth of a great grand child.  Fay told us during the meeting that indeed a great grand child had been born during the meeting.

Thanks go to Dick for his foresight in honouring Roger in this manner.  It is indeed very rare for a Rotary club to award a member in another Rotary club a Paul Harris Fellow.  Well deserved Roger and thanks for all your wonderful support over the years, from all of our members.

{Click on any of the images below for a larger version}.

PRESIDENT PAUL WESTON’S REPORT

Despite the long weekend, it was another busy week in Rotaryland.  The Mens’ Shed of Coolamon organised the first ever Scarecrow Festival in town, which brought antique cars and hundreds of visitors to listen to the music and visit the various stalls on offer.  The more adventurous opted for helicopter rides which ran for most of the day.  Coolamon Rotary was on the scene, rolling out the food van for the first time in several years and cooking up Kranskys and footlong hotdogs.  Toward the end of the afternoon, I presented the winner of the live scarecrow contest with a certificate and check for $300, which Rotary ponied up to help fund the event.  Judging from the size of the crowd and the happy faces, this event will become a regular feature on the Coolamon event calendar.

Kay Hull with the best scarecrow and Paul

We had no meeting this week because of the public holiday, but four of us (John G., Dick, Ian J. and I) travelled to Junee on Tuesday evening to share fellowship with the Junee Rotary Club and to present Roger Quine with a Paul Harris Sapphire badge.  It was a touching to see Roger’s reaction to the surprise presentation; according to those that know Roger, it was one of the few times that Roger was left nearly speechless.  It was a very nice evening, and both clubs expressed interest in getting together more often.

Watch this space for details on the digital marketing workshop that Coolamon Rotary is organising for the 22nd of October for local business owners and operators (an co-sponsored by Coolamon Shire).  Also, don’t forget about the business meeting scheduled for 8 October.

That’s all for now.  Onward and upward!.

Yours in Rotary,

Paul

 

DIARY REMINDERS

Monday 8th October Business Meeting.

Thursday 11th October BINGO on duty: Ian Jennings, John Glassford, Grahame Miles, Mark Reardon.

*Monday 15th October Road MAPS to Africa John Glassford.

*Monday 22nd October WORKSHOP for Coolamon Shire Business people on how to use the Internet for marketing your business facilitated by Linda Tillman and sponsored by Coolamon Rotary and the Coolamon Shire Council.

*Monday 29th October Social Night at Marilyn and Ian Jennings home.

*Monday 5th November Guest Speaker Georgie Roberts from the Red Cross.

Monday 12th November AGM and Election of Office Bearers for 2013-2014.

Sunday November 25th Rotary Markets in Coolamon.

Peace Ceremony in Coolamon February 2013 

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April 2013  D9700 Conference Leeton

June 23-26 2013 Rotary International Convention in Lisbon. RI Convention Lisbon

*Partners and Guests Night.

 

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT SAKUJI TANAKA

Polio eradication was discussed at a special event during the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, 27 September. I encourage you to visit Rotary’s End Polio Now website and to sign the petition urging world leaders to help bridge the funding gap. Every little show of support helps, and this is a fight that we cannot afford to lose.

 

End Polio Now

ポ
リオ撲滅支援を各国政府に呼びかけるための署名運動にご協力ください。集まった署名は、ニューヨーク国連本部での国連総会中、9月27日に開かれる特別イベントで国連の潘基文事務総長に渡されます。

End Polio Now

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

After becoming very frustrated with the attitude of one of the shopkeepers, the young blonde declared, ‘Well, then, maybe I’ll just go out and catch my own alligator and get a pair of alligator shoes for free!’ The shopkeeper replied with a sly smile, ‘Well, little lady, why don’t you go on and give it a try?’

The blonde headed off to the swamp, determined to catch an alligator. Later in the day, as the shopkeeper was driving home, he spotted the same young woman standing waist deep in the murky water, shotgun in hand.

As he brought his car to a stop, he saw a huge 9-foot gator swimming rapidly toward her. With lightning reflexes, the blonde took aim, shot the creature and hauled it up onto the slippery bank. Nearby were 7 more dead gators all lying belly up. The shopkeeper stood on the bank, watching in silent amazement as the blonde struggled mightily and barely managed to flip the gator onto its back.

Then, rolling her eyes heavenward, she screamed in frustration…..

DARN! THIS ONE’S BAREFOOT, TOO!

 

Only in India
Indian Fans

ROTARY INFORMATION

END POLIO NOW

End Polio Now

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a partnership between The World Health Organisation, Rotary International, Centres for Disease Control and UNICEF.   National Immunisation Days or NIDs are days where Rotarians gather to give polio drops.

Jon Deisher form the RC of Anchorage in Alaska, a good friend, has been on these NIDs and here he is below in Chandigahr, Punjab, India … Immunizing children against Polio. “One of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done”.  Jon.

Jon Deisher in India

The pie chart and table below go to show and highlight the cost of this project started by Rotary in 1985.  It has been a partnership with many counties from around the world as well as with the other members of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.  So far the cost is over $9 billion.  If you add the voluntary time of countless Rotarians working in the field the amount would be significantly higher.

However there is a large shortfall in funds required to continue with the project to eliminate polio from the face of the earth and it may surprise you to learn just how much is needed to complete the job.  It is going to take countries from around the world to donate large sums of money along with Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation .  Bill and Melinda Gates have also contributed over $1 billion to date.

RI President Tanaka announced at the United Nations last week that Rotary will contribute a further $75 million over the next 3 years.

Here is the GPEI Web Site where you can find all the latest news on the fight against polio.

 

Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

 

Polio Expenditure Table

 

 

TOO CUTE

For Henk

Fluffy Puppies
Mother

 

 

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 #12

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Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #12

MEETING September 24th. 2012

We had the pleasure of our local Federal Member of Parliament The Hon. Michael McCormack as our guest speaker tonight.  Ten members were present with some 13 guests from Coolamon and Ganmain.  Michael spoke well and entertained us all with is recollections of his time playing “Footy” here in the Riverina.  Michael was also very honest about politics in Australia today and wishes that politicians could think beyond the next election.  Michael also believed in working with the other side and getting on with working for the people that elect them.

Michael even drops in on Simon Crean the Federal Minister for Development on a fortnightly basis to promote the Riverina.  Michael loves the National Party and paid tribute to the former member Kay Hull.  The Nationals he said do not have any factions which he is happy about.   Michael will be on Channel 10’s The Great Divide this Sunday, and opposite him will be Anthony Albanase the current Leader of the House of Representatives.

Michael concluded by inviting any who wish to attend question time in Canberra to contact him a couple of weeks before so he can arrange the visit.

President Paul Weston introduces Michael McCormack above and Garth Perkin thanks Michael for his talk below.

The raffle was won by Bruce Hutcheon from the Coolamon Lions Club.

Michael McCormack

MP MEMBER FOR RIVERINA

About Michael

Born in Wagga and raised on family properties at Marrar and Brucedale, Michael became the youngest editor of a daily newspaper in Australia when he took the helm of Wagga’s Daily Advertiser at the age of 27.

Although he won numerous writing awards and scholarships at the Advertiser, Michael is proudest of the role he played as a community advocate during his time at the paper. In 1997 he spearheaded the movement to save the RAAF base at Wagga which resulted in the retention and expansion of the base.

Michael has a long history of community service with groups such as Rotary and school P&F Associations. A keen sportsman, Michael’s interests include cricket, Aussie Rules, Rugby League, basketball and hockey. He is also a racing enthusiast, and was director of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club from 1994 to 2003.

Before becoming the The Nationals Federal Member for Riverina Michael had a small publishing and media business in Wagga, where he lives with wife Catherine and their three children.

Michael was elected as the Federal Member for Riverina at the 2010 election.

He is an honorary member of the Officer’s Mess at ARTC Kapooka.

 

PRESIDENT PAUL WESTON’S REPORT

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in the local world of Rotary.  The Wagga Wagga Peace Conference held over the weekend drew distinguished speakers from across Australia and around the world.  It’s too bad more of our members couldn’t attend the proceedings, but Neil Munro, Dick Jennings and John Glassford were there and were suitably impressed (I ran a projector in one of the sessions on Saturday afternoon, and also came away with a very favourable impression).  Congrats to the Rotarians in Wagga who organised this memorable and outstanding event.

On Monday, the Rotary Club of Coolamon and our guests were treated to a talk by the Hon. Michael McCormack, MP for Riverina.  As promised, we were entertained by stories of life in Canberra as an elected representative of Parliament, hearing stories that don’t make it on the evening news.  It was also great to see a number of Lions in attendance.  Stay tuned for news of social get together with the Lions sometime after harvest, likely in January.

The inaugural Scarecrow Festival will be held in Coolamon on Sunday of the upcoming October long weekend.  We’ll be dusting off the food van and serving up Kranskys with all the trimmings.  We’re still looking for helpers to help prepare and serve in the van, especially in the afternoon, so please contact me to add your name to the roster.  There will be a variety of activities for young and old, so make an effort to come out and share in the fun.

We have no meeting on Monday, October 1 because of the public holiday, but we’ll be making a trip to Junee on Tuesday to share fellowship with the Junee Rotarians.  Let John Glassford know if you’re able to attend.  A couple of us will be driving and taking others with us; we’ll contact attendees over the weekend to coordinate rides.

We finally have the next event in our local business support program in place: an evening workshop on the 22nd of October with a digital marketing firm out of Wagga. Look for details in the coming week.

Enjoy the long weekend, and don’t forget to come to the Scarecrow Festival and to sign up for the meeting in Junee.

 

That’s all for now.  Onward and upward!.

Yours in Rotary,

Paul

 

DIARY REMINDERS

Sunday 30th September Scarecrow Festival in Coolamon.  MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MAN THE CARAVAN. 

Monday October 1st NO Meeting

Tuesday October 2nd Joint Meeting at Junee Rotary Club.  ALL members are asked to attend this important meeting in Junee.

Monday 8th October Business Meeting.

Thursday 11th October BINGO on duty: Ian Jennings, John Glassford, Grahame Miles, Mark Reardon

*Monday 15th October Road MAPS to Africa John Glassford.

*Monday 22nd October WORKSHOP for Coolamon Shire Business people on how to use the Internet for marketing your business facilitated by Linda Tillman and sponsored by Coolamon Rotary and the Coolamon Shire Council.

*Monday 29th October Social Night at Marilyn and Ian Jennings home.

*Monday 5th November GUest Speaker Georgie Roberts from the Red Cross.

Monday 12th November AGM and Election of Office Bearers for 2013-2014.

Sunday November 25th Rotary Markets in Coolamon.

Peace Ceremony in Coolamon February 2013

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April 2013  D9700 Conference Leeton

June 23-26 2013 Rotary International Convention in Lisbon. RI Convention Lisbon

*Partners and Guests Night.

 

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT SAKUJI TANAKA

 

I visited Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the third largest city square in the world. I was accompanied by, from left, Chief District Secretary Peter Pang, Past District Governor Y. K. Cheng, District Governor Kenneth K. Wong, and District Governor-elect Eugene Fong, all of District 3450. I also attended the World Economic Forum in Tianjin and a breakout session where we discussed the future role of nonprofit organizations.

The International Day of Peace takes on a special meaning this year for Rotarians. Please join me and Rotarians from around the world as we redouble our commitment to achieve Peace Through Service.

今年の国際平和デー（9月21日）は私たちロータリアンにとって特別な意味があります。奉仕を通じて平和を築くために、世界が一体となってがんばりましょう。

In 2012-13, Rotary International will hold three Rotary Global Peace Forums. Each forum will be a two- or three-day program to engage and inspire Rotarians and community leaders to champion President Sakuji Tanaka’s RI theme, Peace Through Service.

The location, theme, and date for each forum are listed here for your reference, along with websites where you can find further details.

 

Berlin, Germany — Peace Without Borders

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA — The Green Path to Peace

Hiroshima, Japan — Peace Begins with You

For more information
Download the Rotary Global Peace Forums brochure.

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Only in Africa

Eyesight

Joe and Gladys are getting ready for bed. Gladys is standing in front of her full length mirror, taking a good hard look at herself. ‘You know, Joe,’ she commented, ‘I stare into this mirror and see an ancient creature. My face is all wrinkled, my boobs sag, my arms and legs are as flabby as popped balloons… and my rear end looks like a sad deflated version of the Hindenburg!’

She turned to face her husband and asked, ‘Dear, please tell me just one positive thing about my body so I can feel better about myself.’

Joe studied Gladys critically for a moment and then said in a thoughtful voice, ‘Well, there’s nothing wrong with your eyesight.’

The doctor says he’ll be able to leave hospital in about a week.

 

The Professor

A man spent a weekend gambling in Las Vegas casinos, and he won $100,000. He didn’t want anyone to know about it, so when he came back home, he immediately went out to the backyard of his house, dug a hole and planted the money in it.

The next morning he walked outside and found only an empty hole. He noticed footsteps leading from the hole to the house next door, which was owned by a deaf-mute. On the same street lived a professor who understood sign language and was a friend of the deaf man. Grabbing his pistol, the enraged man went to awaken the professor and dragged him to the deaf man’s house. He screamed at the professor:

“You tell this guy that if he doesn’t give me back my money I’ll kill him!”

The professor conveyed the message to his friend, and his friend replied in sign language: “I hid it in my backyard, underneath the cherry tree.”

The professor turned to the man with the gun and said: “He’s not going to tell you. He said he’d rather die first.”

 

ROTARY INFORMATION

LISBON 2013 Rotary International Convention

Lisbon 2013

Registration is now open for the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon, Portugal, 23-26 June! Lisbon is an explorer’s paradise. Perched on the west coast of Europe, Portugal’s capital city is a charming combination of old-world appeal and modern flair.

If you have never been to a Rotary International Convention here are some photos just click on the image to enlarge:

 

Photos above taken from 4 RI Conventions attended by J. Glassford.  Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal and Bangkok.

TOO CUTE

Let’s play fetch the stick!

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.

 

 

 

 

Wagga Wagga Peace Conference Continued 3rd Royce Abbey Oration

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The Royce Abbey Oration by Bill Boyd

The best was kept to last with Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd presenting the third Royce Abbey Peace Oration.  This was held in the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

PRIP Bill spoke so well sitting on his stool and had us all intent on hearing what Bill had to say on Peace Through Service, the aim of our current RI President Sakuji Tanaka.

The Royce Abbey Peace Oration will be made available through the Peace committee.  However the words spoken by Bill  are inspirational and motivational.  In part Bill said that:  The strengths that he sees in Rotarians are that we are by definition leaders, we have perseverance e.g. polio, we have passion above all to serve our community be it local or global.  By this Bill means that with 34,000 clubs in 210 countries we serve the community on a global scale.

“The pathway to peace is not a super highway BUT every act of service by a Rotarian is a step towards peace.  Just the provision of clean water and literacy programmes in a small village in Africa, can lead to peace.  One person at a time, one community at a time and then one group of communities.  Humanitarian works of Rotary will do more to reduce conflict and terrorism than all the armies of the world put together.”

Bill Boyd 23/9/2012.

As a delegate I would like to thank all involved in putting this conference on and especially PDG Ray King the Secretary and PDG Fred Loneragan the Chairman.  The troops who worked so hard behind the scene including Doug Masterton, John Gray, Paul Murray and a host of others.

 

 

Wagga Wagga Peace Conference Continued Inter Faith Service

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The Kapooka Military Band warm up.

Sunday Morning we visited Rotary Peace Park in Wagga Wagga where we had an inter-faith peace service.  Music provided by the Kapooka Military Band.  There was a Peace Flag raising as well as the planting of a tree by PRIP Bill Boyd, Mayor Kerry Pascoe and PDG Fred Loneragan.

Wagga Wagga Peace Conference Continued Dinner

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In the Mirage Room

Saturday night we had dinner and great fellowship at he Wagga Wagga RSL Club.

The dinner speaker was Bob Fels from the Rotary Foundation Rotary International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Dinner was great and the decorations by Rae Loneragan were well done subtle and peaceful.

 

Wagga Wagga Peace Conference Continued Day 2

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PDG Ray King and Dr. Keith Suter Club of Rome

It has been another almost 2 days of this wonderful Peace Conference in Wagga Wagga this weekend.

Saturday had many excellent speakers and we met some outstanding Rotary Peace Fellows.

 

Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #11

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Coolamon Rotary News Bulletin #11

MEETING September 17th. 2012

DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISITS COOLAMON ROTARY

Today DG Greg Brown and his wife Lyn Brown paid us a visit for the annual Governor’s visit.

L-R Mark Reardon, Christine Atkinson, John Burns, AG Alan Sharp, Grahame Miles, Garth Perkin, Paul Weston, DG Greg Brown, Lyn Brown, Ian Jennings, Henk Hulsman, Ian Durham, John Glassford.

 


Wagga Wagga peace Conference

Past RI President Bill Boyd and PDG Henry Gardiner

 

REMINDERS

Rotary Peace Conference Wagga Wagga September 21st. – 23rd.

*Monday 24th September 2012 Guest Speaker the Hon. Michael McCormack MP Federal Member for Riverina Gilbert Catering.

Tuesday October 2nd Joint Meeting at Junee Rotary Club.  ALL members are asked to attend this important meeting in Junee.
*Partners and Guests Night.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT SAKUJI TANAKA

RI President Sakuji gets around this week he is in Brazil.  I hope that you enjoy reading about his travels.

While attending the RI Institute for Zones 22 &
23A in Vitória, Brazil, RI Director José Antonio F. Antiório and City Councilman Sergio Magalhães presented me with this certificate making me an honorary citizen of Vitória. Thank you so much, and I look forward to visiting Brazil again soon.

ブラジル訪問中、ヴィトーリアの名誉市民の称号をいただき感激いたしました。いつの日かこの美しいヴィトーリアの街を再訪問できることを願っています。

The RI Institute for Zones 22 & 23A in Vitória, Brazil helped Rotary gain traction in this region, due in large part to generous support from past RI presidents D.K. Lee and Luis Vicente Giay, RI Director José Antonio F. Antiório and Trustee Antonio Hallage. Thank you all for making this meeting a success.

Brazil will be the host of the Rotary Convention in 2015 from 5-8 June 2015 in São Paulo, Brazil.

Sao Paulo Night Club and other scenes of Brazil.

 

SASA DESIGNS AT UNEKE

As promised I have managed to get some lovely jewelery made by the deaf ladies at Sasa Designs in Nairobi.  UNEKE in Wagga have them and will be selling them in their shop.  If you need a unique African gift for a lady then here is a way to help the deaf ladies in Nairobi.  The Sasa Designs project is being managed by a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from California, Megan MacDonald.  Here are some of the pieces now at Uneke.

 

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

 

A busload of politicians were driving down a country road when all of a sudden, the bus ran off the road and crashed into a tree in an old cockie’s paddock.

The old cockie, after seeing what had happened, went over to investigate.

He then proceeded to dig a hole to bury the politicians.

A few days later the local policeman came out, saw the crashed bus, and asked the old cockie where all the politicians had gone.

The old cockie said he had buried them.

The policeman asked the old cockie, “Were they all dead?”

The old cockie replied, “Well, some of them said they weren’t, but I didn’t believe them.”

 

A man and his ever nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife passed away.

The undertaker told the husband, “You can have her shipped home for $5,000 or you can bury her here, in the Holy Land, for $150.”

The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped home.

The undertaker asked, “Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home, when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150”.

The man replied, “Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later, he rose from the dead. I just can’t take that chance.”

{Thanks to Tom Telfer of ROTI fame for these jokes}

 

Too Cute Part 3

 

ROTARY INFORMATION

Rotary Youth Program for Enrichment (RYPEN)

The aim of Rotary Youth Program for Enrichment is to provide an enriching and challenging experience for Year 9 high school students. The weekend camp is a balance of social interaction, adventures and speakers to assist the students in developing life skills. RYPEN provides students with a wider experience than many have previously had. They interact with Rotarians and their peers from across the District and undertake challenging activities and adventures.

Coolamon RYPEN Team 2011 with Rtn. Leslie Weston

District 9700 Committee Members

Name   Position

Neil Pinto(Chairman) Wollundry-Wagga Wagga
David Mills (Bathurst)
Greg Conkey (Wollundry Wagga Wagga)
Geoff Breust (Wollundry Wagga Wagga)
Darren Wallace (Wollundry Wagga Wagga)

Contact the committee members by visiting here

RYPEN 2012:  – Borambola Sport and Recreation camp approximately 13km east of Wagga Wagga on the Sturt Highway

Dates are Friday 23, Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 November 2012

Buses are organised to transport students from across the District:
– A coach travelling between Bathurst and Wagga Wagga will pick up and drop off participants to the north of Wagga Wagga.
– A minibus travelling between Griffith and Wagga Wagga will pick up and drop off participants to the west of Wagga Wagga

 

D 9700: RYPEN WEB SITE


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

NEW! ROTI Rotarians On The Internet September Newsletter

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.