December is set aside for Rotary clubs and districts worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to Family and Community, via projects, activities and events, in celebration of family, while the service to community should encourage the ideal of service to the personal, business and community life of all Rotarians. This by extension allows the opportunity for every member to exemplify “Service above Self”, as part of the social commitment to their local community.
Hello there, crickey its getting close now, and we hope that all the ills and spills are better so you can enjoy the festive season. Well as per last week we will start off with our history question.
QuizBIZ Well it wasn’t too hard was it the gentlemen in the photo were the original 4, and from left to right they and their vocations were Gustavus Loeher, Mining Engineer, Silvester Schiele, a coal dealer, [and first Rotary club president] Hiram Shorey a Merchant Tailor, and of course Paul Harris Attorney at Law.
So now you know about our founders. But what do you know about Foundation? well this week’s question is fairly simple, who was the Man credited with the concept, In what year did he suggest it, and because this is easy this week, by who and how much was the first contribution made? Easy really, I must be getting soft, or maybe it’s the coming festive season..
Bit of news of the home front, Pres Val is back amongst us, that’s good news, the poor lady had run herself into the ground, over concern over her Mother, and this has led to her exhaustion, and other problems. However she is back with us and we are happy about that. Our little wanderer PN Kim is back in town after swanning about the country side of NSW, PE John is still suffering the effects of the concrete slab episode, but is slowly coming good. IPP Des is back from the wilds of the golf at Royal Melbourne, where he is an official, bit disappointed though, he couldn’t get Tiger to visit us!!
Rtn Robin seems to have shaken off the worst of the dreaded lurgy, as has Rtn Vaughan. Other than that, we seem ok, fingers crossed.
As everyone would know we are into December, this is a month of the year that it set aside for all things in our local community including family. It is a wonderful time of year when attitudes generally seem to soften, and the good will part of the season comes to the fore. But we cannot forget those who have little or in some cases, nothing to celebrate with, and so Service above Self, might have a deeper meaning at this time, that affords us the opportunity to share our selves with those not so fortunate, a time to bring them a little cheer. We mentioned not so long ago, about the value of a smile, and it cost nothing but can amount to great riches for others.
Our Guest was to be from the Victoria Police, but the time of year and other pressures caused a last minute cancellation. And so we contrived to have a business meeting that was, albeit by accident a very well worth while exercise with several areas of importance thoroughly discussed, with a great deal of input, that was excellent, and so it turned into a very good evening .
One of the decisions was to go with the RYE program this year, but only outbound, we would not be able to cope with another in bound again just at this moment. However, although not primarily discussed last evening, I am sure that this situation could be alleviated a great deal by an inbound that was of the female persuasion. But it is good to see the Club supporting the RYE Program and in turn the young people, that the program is for.
We also had to deal with a notice of a revamp of the Bowel scan program, from Hal’s brother Max, and as well as information required, the decision to increase the Number of units has also been forwarded to Rtn Max.Decisions were made on a Financial Issue, of some importance to the club, and “it’s all good”. Also a report from New Generations Chair PP. Kevin was further good news on the travels of our student Jacob, and we will be meeting his Mum and Dad, early on next year, when they are to travel to Australia, to see Jacob and to have a looks around Victoria, and NSW.
Additional remarks to PP Kevin’s report PDG Ted mentioned, his activities working with LLEN Central Grampians, are making headway with the LLEN to support 5 Youngsters each for RYPEN 9780, and RYLA, in 2012, time may again beat us but the plans are coming together for the working relationship quite nicely. Also that the DG, AG New Generations and the two chairs involved have also been made aware of this pilot program, so now we are waiting for the next step.
Several more decisions were made on other subjects after good discussion, and all in all it turned out to be a most productive evening, laced with a bit of fun, It was the President Val’s turn to be roasted this week, We are not sure what occurred to the Presidential collar however, but that’s a story for another time. We also had a visit by one of our esteemed Honorary Members PP. Halford Fry PHF [ret] who is always great value to the Club, and it was great to see him back after a short time away.
Also that an official invitation, to a presentation of his H/member’s badge to Mr Chris Waack, be extended to him for the Christmas get together. Pres Val asked Members to suggest family and friends who might like to come along
OH No, not again: We had a bit to do with China over the last short while, but the phantom money changer has been at it again with a Chinese coin showing up, in the Fine contributions, no wonder economic problems are surfacing in China all their loose change is here in Stawell. We note that the perpetrator of this dastardly act, knew when to stop away, but don’t worry folks the fine will carry over to HIS next appearance.
Normans Nonsense:
Talking to Norman, the other day, about a plan to assist the nation. First of all there are about 5 Million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them each 2 Million Dollars, severance pay for early retirement
The result would be,
1] They must retire straight way, bingo, 5 million job openings, unemployment solved.
2] They must all purchase an Australian made car. 5 Million Cars sold, Car industry fixed.
3] They must either buy a house or pay off their mortgage. Housing crisis fixed.
4] They must send their kids to school or University. Youth Crime rate fixed.
5] They must buy A $100.00 worth of alcohol and or Tobacco a week. There’s the money back in excise and tax.
How easy is that, don’t think it will happen Norm, but hold that thought.
Did you know, That Friend of Rotary “our “Joyce, has been beavering away and has 14 or so teddy bears, and as many knee rugs for the wheels chairs for Kids program in W.A. Also a bag of soft toys, for the toys for toys program. What a wonder Joyce is, and we are sure that we speak for the whole Club when we say thank you Joyce for the dedication to a task that effects so many that don’t know her, or she them. Without doubt, Rotary at work at the highest level, Thank you Joyce.
Wotsgoingon. Well its Rtn Noelene’s month, December Family and Community month.
6 December: Board meeting PE John to announce further team placements for 2012/13
13 December Fellowship evening, and the support act is an educational exercise, should be interesting, PDG Ted has on flash drive the speech made in 1933 by Paul Harris and that will be a special part of that evening as well. Most Rotarians have never heard Paul Harris’s voice, so this will be good, not forgetting that the speech was recorded, 78 years ago, but it is still clear enough. Should be good, to hear our founder.
20 December Christmas break up at Norman and Noelene’s Home, same times as usual, and this is our Christmas shindig, so the entry is a soft toy, and BYO F & R [BRING YOUR OWN FOOD FOR A BBQ, & refreshments.] Norman is to supply the Champers, and to add a little, could we come along wearing something Christmassy. That includes you; don’t forget family and friends are welcome. [Including Judi.]
Also a reminder that our first meeting back is a turnout at PN Kimberley’s home BYO F G & G , more to follow, soon.
Well folks have a great week in Rotary, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Remember, “The wisest of men follow their own direction”. Cheers Ed