Bulletin No. 7 - 17 Aug 2010

Bulletin No. 7 - 17 Aug 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: 77%

Editorial.

We have made mention in this edition of some sporting results from this last weekend. Old traditional schools were involved and invariably there was as a result some easy banter amongst some members today on the results. There is a lot of fun about any win. Dark accusations are made that it is impossible to win in Grahamstown, games are invariably blown short in East London and that in Port Elizabeth the neutral referee has a son at a particular school etc!

We would like to think however that the real results that count are the academic results. We are very fortunate in the Eastern Cape to have such fine educational institutions. There are no better in RSA. That said it is also the game and all that comes with it. It is not just about participating .It is about the life long friendships on the playing fields, in class and in the hostel .You develop respect for your elders ,a sense  of  empathy towards those who have less, of tolerance, loyalty,  perseverance and the ability to get a job well done.

These are all actually the good qualities of Rotary and it is no wonder that our club excels in all respects. And with two Old Queenians as Presidents nogal in the last three years !

Attendance.

We welcomed Katharine Holmes back from Canada today and she was very warmly received by the membership. Lauren Bonnet, our exchange student, slipped in and we will be seeing a lot more of her at lunch. Marcus brought along Alison and Gianna introduced Keith Bayliss who is no stranger to us. The following make ups were recorded

8^th August                     PE Club                                                                       Les Kirkland

15^th August                   Kayelethu meeting                                                      Peter Long

16^th August                   Nelspruit                                                                      Vaughan Giles

President’s Announcements.

President John welcomed us all today say that today would take the form of a semi- business meeting as we had not had the opportunity have one this year. He reminded us that a GSE Team Leader was required to take a team to Evanston in the USA. Any takers?

The Bloemendal Youth Orchestra whom we have assisted with band equipment in the past will be holding a concert at 5pm on Sunday afternoon in the auditorium of the NMMU South Campus. On the following Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm an organ and piano rectal is being held in St. Mary’s Cathedral in aid of Smile. Both events are worthy of our support. The Quarterly Dinner is scheduled for the 21^st September at the PE Womens’ Club. Please support this major fellowship evening.

A request was made for members to bring to lunch The Herald Matriculation supplement. It is a valuable teaching guide and Father Christopher will ensure that the issues reach disadvantaged learners. On the subject of schools a very happy Mike Howell was seen waving a Selborne flag. His old school has scored an unexpected hockey victory against the unbeaten classy Grey outfit. Selborne also won one or two games of rugby on Saturday to which we say, ” Well done Selborne!

Trevor Wells thanked all who attended the Fellowship Evening last Thursday. The “potjie” prepared by our chefs did them proud and provided a sumptuous repast! The Noordhoek Ski Boat Club is an excellent venue and the bar prices are very reasonable. It is certainly a venue to consider for our fellowship functions. Mimi Rupp collected a bag full of knuckle bones for her dogs and we understand that her favourite pet is her St. Bernhard !

Our speaker next week will be Marius Von Dongen whose subject will be the “Special Star Retail Awards “. It will be a very interesting presentation.

Club Subscriptions.

President John took us through a short presentation on the subscriptions for the new year. In essence a member will have the discretion to make his or hers own personal contribution to The Rotary Foundation. We will then not levy the sum of R5, 00 on a member at each meal. That said over the year the member should endeavor to try and contribute the equivalent of 75US Dollars or about R500 towards this fund. Any shortfall, will, as usual be made up from club funds. We have undertaken as a club to contribute this amount for each club member. Your subscription invoice will reach you shortly by email.

Forthcoming events

24 August - Marios Von Dongen: “Special Star” Retailer Awards                                         Lunch venue

31 August - Alan Solomons: EP Kings Coach                                                                       Lunch venue

07 September - Business meeting                                                                                         Lunch venue

14 September - Lorna Brown: “Does loss of sight mean loss of vision?”                              Lunch venue

21 September - Quarterly Dinner - Speaker to be advised                                                  PE Women’s’ Club

28 September - Katherine Holmes on her Rotary Exchange experience to Canada           Lunch venue

14 October      - Annual Golf Day                                                                                           Humewood

Our guest speaker- Michele Lehy

Michele heads up the Fundraising portfolio in the club. She presented today a proposal that will generate additional income for the club in addition to our traditional Big Draw and Golf Day events. This new project is called THE EPIC QUEST and she has successfully run similar events for the EP Children’s Home and The Rotary Club of Claremont.The project requires total participation by all Rotarians and their families. Every one should become involved as we need all the manpower available in order to run the day.

The objective is to gain the active participation of teams from the corporate sector who would compete against each other at eight points. The challenges are both mental and physical and it has been found that a keen sense of competition develops among the teams. The entry fee accrues to Rotary and we, as Rotarians, become involved in the logistical side of the endurance episode.

The process is that each company enters a team at a cost of R6500. The event will be run on a Saturday and each team will be led from one challenge to another using cryptic clues to guide themselves to the next test. The teams travel in one vehicle and they have no knowledge of the programme that awaits them. The event is limited to 20 teams in the first year and Michele estimates that we can raise in excess of R100, 000.

The membership voted unanimously in favour of the proposal which was very well put together on a slide presentation by Fred Roberts. It is envisaged that we will be holding the event in March 2011 and we look forward to the challenge !

The Sergeant -Trevor Long.

Trevor gave us some good advice today. He believes that this club duty should impart knowledge and he led us through a few good steps. For example, a young person will enjoy swimming in a pool. But a Rotarian would have been the one to have dug the hole for the pool. He left us with a good laugh with a joke that had as a punch line that a phone call made to the Devil could indeed be a local call!

There was only one birthday this week. Happy birthday to Heather Rauch who celebrates hers on the 21^st August.

Vocational Reading - Lindsay Ziehl

Perhaps you will forget the kind words you say today but the recipient may cherish them a life time

Mathematics - Not according to the book!

Smart man + smart woman = romance

smart man + dumb woman = affair

Dumb man + smart woman = marriage

dumb man + dumb woman = pregnancy

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Bulletin No. 6 - 10 Aug 2010

Bulletin No. 6 - 10 Aug 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: 92%

Editorial.

Our meeting venue is a training centre. We have a large membership and we have met at this venue for more than two years. On the whole we would say that we have received very good service and the meal has always been generous though at times we may have had cause to complain on taste. We believe that all the issues have since been put to bed and we have provided the Centre with varied menu suggestions.

We must remember that the staff are trainees and that the Centre is doing great work in preparing the staff for future employment. The Centre deserves our full support and we should really all enjoy a meal together. That is surely what Rotary is all about. Your Scribe had the meal of the day today and it consisted of roast lamb, potatoes and vegetables. We must say that we found the helping both very generous and tasty. We merely thus request that we remember that we should be fair to all concerned!

Attendance.

We once again had a very good turn out today with an attendance record of 92%. Gay Best from PE West was our only visiting Rotarian. Ed Gutsche introduced Keith Bayliss and Michelle Brown brought along Rob and Dael Melville who are known to all as one time members of our Club

The following make ups were recorded.

29^th July                                    Jeff Ilsley                                                                    Priory Interact Club

5^th August                     David Browne and Vaughan Giles                             PE Club

5^th August                     Vaughan Giles                                                            PE West

President’s Announcements.

In the absence of President John who was away on business President Elect Gianna Doubell was in the chair. He name is pronounced “Jana “and we should all remember it! She welcomed us all to the meeting and she was at not all overawed by her position and handled the affairs of the day with aplomb.

Trevor Wells gave us an update and reminded us of the Potjie Evening on Thursday evening at the Noordhoek Boat Club. Please remember that the venue is licensed and we are not allowed to bring our own refreshments. Please bring, however, your own plates and cutlery.

Natalie Stear informed us of the Quarterly Dinner that will be held at the PE Woman’s’ Club on the 21^st September. She is hoping to organise a good speaker for the occasion and we need to support the event. Along with the Charter Dinner and Induction Dinner this is the only other formal event in our Rotary Calendar.

Gianna wished John Allen  well as he is about to enter hospital for a procedure and Arthur Ahlschlager is on the mend after an eye operation.

Call for a Leader for the GSE Team to Evaston, USA.

A call has been made for a team leader to lead an out going GSE team to Evaston in April 2011. Our major sponsor club, Glen View Sunrise, which has assisted us on a number of matching grants is situated in this district. It would be a major coup if one of our members was selected to be the team leader for this group. We are sure that we have suitable candidates within our membership?

Forthcoming events

12 August - Fellowship Function - a “Potjie Evening” at the Noordhoek Ski Boat Club

17 August - Michele Lehy re her fund raising initiative                                                           Lunch venue

24 August - Marios Von Dongen: “Special Star” Retailer Awards                                         Lunch venue

31 August - Alan Solomons: EP Kings Coach                                                                       Lunch venue

07 September - Business meeting                                                                                         Lunch venue

14 September - Lorna Brown: “Does loss of sight mean loss of vision?”                              Lunch venue

21 September - Terry Baker on his recent trip                                                                       Lunch venue

28 September - Katherine Holmes on her Rotary Exchange experience to Canada           Lunch venue

14 October      - Annual Golf Day                                                                                           Humewood

Our guest speaker - Michelle Brown - “Behind the scenes at the World Cup”.

Michelle gave us a most interesting insight into the activity that took place in the big white tent that was erected adjacent the new stadium. She was in charge of the so called print media and was assisted by 40 volunteers. Some 400 reporters were present with 200 photographers and she had to co-ordinate and see to their needs.  It was a major logistical exercise. She explained to us the protocol involved in arranging press conferences, the experience of meeting the soccer stars and the very tight security that had to be observed throughout the competition.

It was a very hectic five week period which entailed working long hours. At the end of it all she was delighted to say that she was a proud South African. So much so that she has volunteered her services for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year and for the 2012 Olympic Games in London! Cameron Scott thanked Michelle.

The Sergeant - Gary Woodhead.

Cameron has the Fellowship Box and will be moving it shortly. Gary wished Neil Crawford a happy birthday for the 13^th and Wendy Long celebrated her own on the 11^th. Our best wishes to both. There were no anniversaries.

Gary regaled us with some good stories including one of Chief Running Bear Naidoo who is known to his friends as “Frikkie” The story took some time in telling but it had a good punch line!

Vocational Reading - Bev Radue

“Women inspire us to do great things but then prevent us from achieving them “- attributed to Socrates.

Finally - - An answer I can understand.
An American tourist asks an Irishman, “Why do scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats?”
To which the Irishman replies, “If they fell forwards, they’d still be in the boat.”

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Bulletin No. 5 - 3 Aug 2010

Bulletin No. 5 - 3 Aug 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: 123%!

Editorial.

It was our pleasure today to welcome our District Governor, Frank Baffoe, and his Ann, Emelia, to our club meeting. Frank had previously met with the Board and was most impressed with the Club Leadership Plan and the volume of reports that had been presented to him. His address to us at lunch was very well received and gave us much food for thought.

Frank comes from what is probably the poorest country in Africa whose main export is labour to our own country. Frank speaks from the heart and knows well the power of Rotary and what the organization can do to alleviate poverty and to make the difference in the lives of others. His mission is to extend the influence of Rotary and his vision is to see an increase in our numbers and the formation of new clubs. We must take up his challenge and ensure that we attract good quality younger members to our club as it is with only the infusion of new and young blood that will continue to keep Algoa as the biggest, best and boldest club in the District!

Attendance.

Birgit Macke was on duty today but before reporting on the Attendance she thanked the members for all their concern, good wishes and thoughts that both she and Richard had received while Richard was being attended to in Cape Town.

She welcomed our one time exchange student, Amalie, who was out from Denmark, on a visit to the country. She was accompanied by her twin sister, parents and boy friend. It was a delight to welcome her back into our midst and she later in the meeting gave a short report on her present life and aspirations. She was a marvellous choice as a student and we wish her well. Honourary Ann, Michelle Brussow, was present and a host of about 20 Anns were also welcomed to lunch. Gary Woodhead was accompanied by his two young daughters and it was a pleasure seeing all the younger faces   today. The following make ups were recorded

23 July            PR Meeting                            Ian Pringle

29 July             PE Sunrise                             Arthur Ahlschlager

30 July                        Fellowship Meeting                Nick Wilmot, Randall Prins, Bernhard Rupp

02 August        Board Meeting                       John Rauch, Nick Wilmot, Les Kirkland, Trevor Long, Ian                                                                            Pringle, Michele Lehy, Gianna Doubell, Gary Woodhead,                                                                            Trevor Wells, Peggy Saunders, Glen Harris, Chris Holmes

Unknown date - Family of Rotary                  Cameron Scott, Gianna Doubell, Philip Shaw, Trevor Wells,                                                                        Christopher Holmes

President’s Announcements.

President John welcomed us to the meeting making special mention of our visiting District Governor and his Ann. We were pleased to see Richard Macke back with us and John also made mention of Amalie and her family including all the Anns. We had a full house.

President John was pleased to announce that the matching grant monies in total of about R95, 000 had been received for the Alpha School. Our appreciation is extended to Trevor Long and all those who have made this project possible and to reach eventual completion.

Presentation of a Paul Harris Award.

Today was a special day for Mel Levitan. He was not present at our Induction Dinner and it was your Scribe’s very pleasant duty, as Past President, to read his citation to the audience on the value that we place on Mel’s membership and on the very efficient manner he has carried out his duties as our Club Sergeant. The award was duly conferred on Mel by our District Governor Frank and Mel received a very warm acclamation from the membership. Well done Mel!

Our District Governor - His address.

The theme for the year is “Build Communities and Bridge Continents”. DG Frank expanded on this theme after he was introduced by President John. He spoke of growing Rotary, of accommodating the new technological generation, of supporting the Rotary Foundation and supporting schools and learning institutions. He asked that we raise the flag of Rotary and that we continue to make a positive contribution towards those who do not have very much. We can certainly make the difference

DG Frank’s ideas, thoughts and ideals are spelt out very clearly in his newsletter which is to be found on the Rotary website. We encourage our members to visit the web site for all that he so lucidly put across to us today is to be found on those pages. He was thanked for his presentation by President John and wished well for the remainder of his trip to Port Elizabeth

Forthcoming events

10 August - Michelle Brown : “Behind the Scenes at the FIFA World Cup”                          Lunch venue

12 August - Fellowship Function - a “Potjie Evening” at the Noordhoek Ski Boat Club

17 August - Michele Lehy re her fund raising initiative                                                           Lunch venue

24 August - Marios Von Dongen: “Special Star” Retailer Awards                                         Lunch venue

31 August - Alan Solomons: EP Kings Coach                                                                       Lunch venue

07 September - Business meeting                                                                                         Lunch venue

14 September - Lorna Brown: “Does loss of sight mean loss of vision?”                              Lunch venue

21 September - Terry Baker on his recent trip                                                                       Lunch venue

28 September - Katherine Holmes on her Rotary Exchange experience to Canada           Lunch venue

14 October      - Annual Golf Day                                                                                           Humewood

Fellowship!

Our Committee has been very active and has embarked on a busy programme for the year ahead. On Thursday 12 August a “Potjie Evening” is being held at the Noordhoek Ski Boat Club and the cost is R40 per head which is very good value. The Club has a license and a cash bar will be in operation. Please support the Fellowship Committee at this their first function for the year.

We understand that at the last Fellowship Committee a brief whisky tasting contest was held. A rank outsider in Arthur won the event and is it true that the hot shot favourite came last!

The Sergeant - Ian Pringle

Your Scribe kept it short and sweet today as we had a very full programme. He wished Wendy Long a very happy birthday for the 11 August and Roy and Marlene Calder celebrate a wedding anniversary on the 8 August. Congratulations!

Monthly Draw

This was done by Vaughan Giles in his usual “efficient” manner and the following took the prizes.

Attendance: Phil Shaw

First Prize: Mel Levitan

Second Prize: Bev Radue

Third Prize: Bernhard Rupp

Vocational Reading - Phil Shaw

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them because what they are capable of becoming” - by Johan Wolfgang Von Brothe

A testing time

The following was developed as a mental age assessment by the School of Psychiatry at Harvard University .Take your time and see if you can read each line aloud without a mistake. The average person over 40 years of age cannot do it!

1.  This is this cat.

2.  This is is cat..

3.  This is how cat.

4.  This is to cat.

5.  This is keep cat.

6.  This is an cat.

7.  This is old cat.

8.  This is fart cat..

9.  This is busy cat.

10 This is for cat.

11 This is forty cat.

12 This is seconds cat.

Now go back and read the third word in each line from the top down.

Our visitors today and our newest Paul Harris Fellow  !

Many thanks to Fred Roberts for these shots taken at lunch today

Bulletin No. 4 - 27 July 2010

Bulletin No. 4 - 27 July 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: 75%

Editorial.

Your Scribe spent the day at Greenacres Hospital on Tuesday.An old rugby injury had surfaced and the surgeon drilled a few holes in one knee, took a look, scraped about and added some putty before calling it a day! It was a first world experience but it did not stop there.

Lunch was to follow and it consisted of chicken casserole, vegetables, followed by Melba pudding. Every half an hour or so my blood pressure was taken, I was offered the paper and tea on a regular basis. and I was in fact rather sorry to have to pack up and go home after the surgeon had done his rounds! But what of the other world that we do not frequent? Of dying babies, no medication, shoddy service levels, poorly staffed facilities etc that the masses have as their offer?

Our Anns do a sterling job in making sandwiches every Friday for the Oncology Dept. at the Provincial Hospital. It is essential that the out patients receive some form of nourishment with their medication. Each Ann, on a rotational basis, makes sandwiches from three loaves of bread, and they are then delivered to the grateful and dedicated nursing staff at this department. Well done to the Anns on making the difference in the lives of others who will never see the inside of the privately run hospitals and clinics.

Attendance

We had two visiting Rotarians join us today. They were Lionel Heath of PE East who was accompanied by his wife, Maureen, and Tony Moors of the Port Elizabeth Club. There were a number of non Rotarian visitors present amongst which we welcomed Denise Long, Sandy Wells and Melanie Roberts. Marcus Oshry brought along his fiancée, Alison, and Glen Mukheibir introduced Trudie Le Roux. There were no make ups to report

President’s Announcements

President John welcomed all to the meeting especially Bev Radue who has returned home after a long spell in Johannesburg attending to his medical condition. We understand from Birgit that Richard Macke is making good progress after having been attended to in Cape Town on a heart condition and Thelma Theron will be under going a knee operation this coming Monday.

President John reminded us of the District Governor’s visit this coming Tuesday where we will also be joined by his wife. This annual visit is an important occasion and we all need to be present and correct! The Board will meet with DG Frank at the Old Grey Club ahead of lunch and the Anns are most welcome to join us at lunch. President John requested that those Anns wishing to attend should kindly reply to Melanie Roberts without delay in order that the catering numbers may be finalised with the Centre.

President John reminded Board members of the monthly board meeting which take place at his home at 17.30 on Monday 2^nd August.

Forthcoming events

2^nd August                   Monthly Board Meeting                                                                      President’s Home

3^rd August                    Monthly Business Meeting & Visit by the DG                                     Lunch venue

14th October               Annual Golf Day                                                                                 Humewood

Apologies

Your Editor found himself in Greenacres Hospital on Tuesday and was unable to take his usual notes at the meeting for the weekly bulletin. We apologise therefore that we are unable to report on our speaker and to do like wise on that announced by the Sergeant. We also have no record of the Vocational Reading so, at best, our issue is a bit thin on the ground. The programme is also not fully up to date but I do know that, as usual, the programme is full for at least the next month and members will be brought up to speed in our next edition

The Sergeant.

The following birthdays are noted and best wishes to Maureen Klos (28^th) and Marcus Oshry (29^th) on their birthdays. There are no anniversaries in the week that lies ahead

THE BURGLAR

“Get this,” said one drinker to his friends at the bar.
“Last night while I was here with you guys, a burglar broke into my house.”
“Did he get anything?” his friends asked.
“Yeah… a broken jaw, two teeth knocked out, and a pair of black eyes. The wife thought it was me coming home drunk.”

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Bulletin No. 3 - 20 July 2010

Bulletin No. 3 - 20 July 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: 86%

Editorial.

I thought that this week I would let you digest and ruminate on a quote attributed to the late

Dr.Adrian Rogers, 1931 - 2005 . He said,

“You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.”

Attendance

We welcomed Darryl Burman of PE Sunrise and Bobby Lowenthal of Boksburg Lake as visiting Rotarians. Darryl introduced his guest, Thomas Lawrence and Tony Oshry brought along Alan Young whom we have met. Marcus had his fiancée, Alison, with him and Karin accompanied Phillip Shaw.Vernon Naidoo had a number of guests who were visiting his faculty. They were Prof.John Fischetti, Prof.Kim Sawrey and Prof. Carol Pilgrim. Leanne Naidoo made up the foursome

Ryan Belgrove was introduced by Fred Roberts and we all welcomed our new Exchange Student, Laura Bonnet, who is French speaking and hails from Switzerland. She handed over her sponsoring club banner to President John. She will be spending her first quarter of her year with Michele Lehy.

Make ups

The following make ups were recorded.

8th July             Tony Oshry                                                                                                     Family Committee

11th July                       Michele Lehy,Gianna Doubell, Des Willis,John Rauch, Gary            Youth Committee

Woodhead and Vernon Naidoo

15th July                       Gavin Gilmer and Ian Pringle                                                             PE Rotary Club

President’s Announcements

President John welcomed all to the meeting. Our high attendance figures continue to impress and we hope that the membership continues to hold the Tuesday lunch hour as sacrosanct. Mel Levitan was welcomed back after having spent time with his family in Israel

Our Guest Speaker - Ayanda Bambiso - Head, Protocol, Nelson Mandela Stadium.

Our guest speaker was an Old Collegiate girl of the Class of 2000 and she cheerfully acknowledged with a great big smile her former Headmistress, Pam Ellis. We were to learn that her ready smile and zest for life are her big attractions!

Ayanda told us that “Protocol is all about Order”. That is the bottom line and she proceeded to tell us of her job and position at the stadium and her role over the World Cup. It is another world. A world of VIPs and  VVIPs, of being so careful not to offend a culture, of dealing with politicians and the very hierarchy of the FIFA organization. Everything follows a plan, guests do not mix, the hob knobs take the lift and others take the steps. The more important you are the bigger your car cavalcade becomes. It was all very hard work and it paid off. The local stadium was voted from amongst all the other stadia as “The Best Overall 2010 Venue”. All credit to her and her team.

Michelle Brown, who in her own right, was heavily involved with the 2010 media, thanked Ayanda for her presentation. It was very well received and we did not have the time to hear the responses to our numerous questions. That is a sign that the guest has a very favourable impression on the membership. President John presented her with The Four Way Test and thanked her sincerely. 

Forthcoming events

27^th July                      Dr.Littleton / Meshack Mpotu- First stem transplant in PE                 Lunch venue

3^rd August                    Monthly Business Meeting & Visit by the DG                                     Lunch venue

14th October               Annual Golf Day                                                                                 Humewood

The Sergeant - Vaughan Giles.

Vaughan is an old time Sergeant and did not mince his words. He ensured that the box was filled to a high level before he reminded us all very seriously that our Club Membership was on the decline. We have lost members and he firmly stated that it was up to the younger members of our Club to ensure that new members were found and inducted. New blood is the life blood of any organization and we must be ever mindful of that concern.

John Allen has the Box and it will be moved before month end. Vaughan then wished Ed Gutsche

(21st), Jenny Munro and Christine Oshry (both on 22nd) happy birthdays in the week that lay ahead. No wedding anniversaries were noted   

Where do Rotary Anns come from? (With thanks to the Rotary Club of Sandton)

Have you ever wondered why we call our spouses “Anns”? Surely they have their individual names like Annemarie, Dianna, and Merle etc. But Rotarians put the name Ann in front when introducing their wives: “Meet my Ann Merle”.

With the spread of feminism and an increasingly negative attitude against the all-male movement, some considered “Rotary Ann” a demeaning term. But it had an interesting genesis and when coined was a term of endearment.

In 1914, California, USA, Rotarians chartered a train to the international convention in Houston, Texas. It had not yet become customary for wives to accompany their husbands to Rotary conventions, and among the large contingent of Rotarians from 13 West Coast clubs there was but one woman: the wife of San Francisco club president Henry J. Brunnier. As the train left the station and the Rotarians met her on board, one of them said, “I don’t want to call you Mrs. Brunnier; what is your first name?” She replied, “Ann.” The festive group immediately nicknamed her “Our Rotary Ann,” and she became so popular during the long train journey that her husband joked he never had to buy her a meal because she was always a guest at another group’s table.

Rotary publicized the special West Coast train in advance; so when it arrived in Houston, a large crowd was waiting to welcome it. Some passengers had passed the time by composing a song about “Rotary Ann,” and the carnival atmosphere on the platform was heightened when the West Coast group lifted Ann Brunnier on their shoulders and marched around the station, singing their ditty. Guy Gundaker from Philadelphia and his wife were among the reception group, and he mentioned that his wife was also named Ann. The Rotarians lifted her into the air and as they continued their march proclaimed, “From now on, all ladies shall be known as Rotary Anns.”                    

A letter of appreciation- Des Willis.

Dear President Ian

I write this on the evening of the 30^th and am pleased that I may still address you by the title of president before you step down as from tomorrow and assume the role of Past president and Bulletin Editor.

The reason for this letter is to formally thank you, your board and the members of the club for the honour bestowed upon me by granting me a Paul Harris Sapphire recognition.  I really believe that there are so many of our members who are far more deserving of a special recognition for the work they do in the name of the club.  I compliment the members on their energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the ideals of service and the little that I do seems so insignificant.  It’s a pleasure to serve alongside them.

I shall wear the buttonhole pin with pride and the framed certificate, which is truly a work of art, will find a special place on my study wall.

Thank you for leading the club so effectively and efficiently during the past year and I have little doubt that John will follow suit.

Yours Sincerely

Vocational Reading - Bill Williams - with thanks to Leo Buscaglia

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life round”

WISDOM

Remember that:

1  Money can’t buy happiness, but somehow, it’s more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle

2  Forgive your enemies, but remember their names

3  Help a man when he is in trouble, and he will remember you when he is in trouble again

4  Many people are alive only because it is illegal to shoot them

5  Alcohol doesn’t solve any problems, but neither does milk…

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Bulletin No. 2 - 13 July 2010

Bulletin No. 2 - 13 July 2010

Duty Roster

Attendance at Today’s Meeting:-

With make ups: + 100%

Editorial

I am back behind the desk and look forward to the year ahead. This bulletin will only be as good as the information that I receive from you. I will welcome your contributions but please remember that I am not in competition with The Herald and will endeavour to publish that which crosses my laptop!

It was indeed pleasing to end off the last Rotary year with an average attendance of more than 80%. The bar has been set. Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement of Rotary and we are sure that our performance in the year ahead will be maintained at a high level. One of our 100% Rotarians has written into his diary that he has an appointment at 13, 00 hrs every Tuesday. His other appointments are structured round this time for this is the only occasion in the week that he takes time off to go to lunch. It is an easy and relaxed hour where he enjoys some good fellowship, a meal and has the opportunity to perhaps hear a good speaker. Why do you not do the same and make a similar appointment with yourself on a Tuesday?  You deserve it!

Make ups

8th July - Family of Rotary Meeting - Cameron Scott, Gianna Doubell, Phillip Shaw, Trevor Wells and                                                                      Christopher  Holmes

9th July - Sunrise Club - Lindsay Pearson

12th July - Fund Raising Committee - Michele Lehy,Randall Prins,Peggy Saunders,Pam Ellis,Bob                                                                           Wynne,Peter Long,Vernon Naidoo,Bernard Rupp, George                                                                               Tzemis,John Rauch

President’s Announcements

President John welcomed all to the meeting. He welcomed Mimi Rupp and Jenny Van Graan as visiting Anns who were present with their husbands. He read from a letter that we had received from Bev Radue who expressed his thanks for all the good wishes. He will be returning home on the 22^nd July. Tony Oshry is in Durban following the death of his step father and we extend our sympathies to him. Cameron is making a strong come back and Birgit and Richard have made good on their promises to donate a R100 for each of the goals scored by Germany in the World Cup semi final! We wish them well on their trip to Cape Town where Richard will be receiving medical attention

The District Governor’s visit has been postponed indefinitely and the District Conference, it would appear, will only take place in June 2011. President John mentioned that our incoming exchange student will be arriving on Thursday and will be attending Collegiate.

The Monthly Draw is done fairly (Fact or Fiction?)

Vaughan Giles has advised us that the monthly draw winners are drawn from across the full spectrum of the club membership. In the last year we have had eleven different winners in all categories. These being for the Attendance Prize and for the First, Second and Third awards. There are three Jokers in the bag. If one is drawn that prize reverts to the Club!

Our Guest Speaker - Arthur Ahlschlager - What you never knew about tortoises!

Arthur, with besides some of his Rotarian colleagues, also has other slow moving friends. Since his childhood he has had an interest in tortoises and this was the subject of his talk to us today. He even brought some of his “friends” along and after his most interesting chat they were viewed with great interest.        There are 15 types of tortoises to be found in South Africa and of these five are found in the Eastern Cape. Arthur gave us an insight into the life cycle of this reptile. The smallest is the Karoo Padlooper and the biggest is the Mountain tortoise that may be seen crossing the roads less traveled. The first only weighs in at 200gms and is the size of a match box!

Tortoises live to an age of about 60 years and those on remote islands have been known to live for more than 150 years. They have few enemies but the presence of ticks who find a tortoise a most suitable host can leave their kind bearer lame as they gorge themselves between his toes.

The reproduction cycle, the laying of their eggs, the powerful scent emitted by the tortoise in season and the loud bellowing that follows this type of reptile evoked much interest. One Rotarian, who sat next to your Editor at lunch, remarked after hearing Arthur’s presentation that we do not really need to go beyond our own membership in finding a good speaker who is an expert in a subject. Ross Kobus thanked Arthur for his presentation and we all congratulated him!

Forthcoming events

19th July                     Ayanda Bambiso (Head, Protocol, Nelson Mandela Stadium)          Lunch venue

26^th July                      Dr.Littleton / Meshack Mpotu- First stem transplant in PE                 Lunch venue

3^rd August                    Monthly Business Meeting                                                                  Lunch venue

14th October               Annual Golf Day                                                                                 Humewood

The Sergeant - Lindsay Pearson

Lindsay ,along with others from his profession , have returned after their 2010 sabbaticals !He announced that there were no anniversaries and wished Mel Levitan and Megan Jones  well for their birthdays on the 18^th July. Lindsay kept his performance short and sweet and raised good laughter with some church notices that he had come across! The Fellowship Box resides with Terry Baker and will be moved very shortly.

Vocational Reading - Nick Wilmot.

Nick had a lengthy reading attributed to Theodor Roosevelt. In essence, Theodor stated that it was better to dare and fight, face failure but yet triumph, than never seeking to better oneself

The Final Word

With every global event come many stories. World Cup Soccer is no exception.    Nigeria is out of the World Cup, their goalkeeper has offered to refund all the money to fans who travelled to South Africa.He said he just needs their bank details and mother’s maiden name to complete the transaction!

The North Korean government has announced the tragic loss of their under achieving World Cup squad in a plane crash next Tuesday!

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Bulletin No. 1 - 6 July 2010

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Bulletin No. 1  - 6 July 2010

Attendance - Alf Levinthal

Make-Ups

John Rauch, Gianna Doubell, Gary Woodhead, Nick Wilmot, Les Kirkland,  Trevor Wells, Glenn Harris, Peggy Saunders, Philip Shaw at the Board Meeting 5 July

David Browne                                                    Plettenberg Bay                                                               ?

Ross Kobus and Anthony Oshry  at the P.E. Club Induction                                            ?

Attendance with Make-Ups 84%

Visiting Rotarians

Nil

Non-Rotarian Visitors

Doc, Carol and Simone de Kock supported our two speakers Sebastian Davis and Grant Ross

The following Anns accompanied their husbands: Wendy Long, Shereen Howell and Lindsay Kobus.

Allison Doe accompanied Marcus Oshry

Keith Bayland was Ed Goetsche’s guest

President John’s Announcements

a)       The following were welcomed back to regular lunchtime meetings:-

a) Michele Brown from the World Cup

b) Danie Theron from an extended leave of absence

c) Les Kirkland from his overseas trip and

d) Cameron Scott from his recent stint in hospital. Cameron sincerely thanked the club members for their prayers, SMS’s, calls and general support over this difficult period.

b)      Others who have undergone successful operations are Wendy Long, Denise Long and Bev Radue, all of whom are recovering well and are grateful for the support they have received

c)       There is a possibility that the D.G. would attend next week’s lunch, but confirmation is awaited

d)      Danie Theron will be finalising last year’s Attendance Record over the weekend. Any member who has Make-ups outstanding need to inform Danie a.s.a.p.

Our Speakers - Grant Ross and Sebastian Davis

These two ex-St Andrews students are intrepid cyclists that have travelled from John O’Groats in Scotland  (departing in July 2009)  and are on their way to Cape Town, which they plan to reach towards the end of the month

By the end of the journey they will have travelled about 15 000 kms and crossed through some 24 countries on 2 continents

Rotarians found their photos and description of the trip through Europe (the U.K., Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Greece) and then down the length of Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ruwanda, Malawi, Mozambique and into SA at Kosi Bay) fascinating.

After working in the U.K. for 6 months to finance the trip, they cycled through the above countries camping at night and befriending the locals on the way. Besides two hairy incidents in North Africa they have met with nothing but kindness and co-operation throughout the trip.

The funds they have raised will help provide vegetable gardens and boreholes at the Kitemba Primary school in Uganda and Mchere Primary school in Malawi

A refreshingly different story that was extremely well received by their audience.

Their plans for the future………………… choose another LONG cycle trip!

Monthly Draw - Vaughan Giles

The following were drawn from the hat:-

Attendance - George Tzemis

3^rd - Denzil Stickells

2^nd - Randall Prins

1^st - Vaughan Giles

Sergeant - Natalie Stear

Natalie announced that the following celebrate birthdays during the next week:  Fred Roberts on the 10^th, and Diet Mulckhuyse and Ken Munro on the 12^th.

Wedding Anniversaries: John and Adele Allen celebrate their 30^th anniversary on the 10^th and Fred and Melanie Roberts their 25^th (Silver) Anniversary on the same date.

All the above were warmly congratulated on reaching the relevant milestones

It was inevitable that the World Cup would feature in the proceedings somewhere. Birgit and Richard have offered to donate R100 to the Rotary Foundation for every goal scored by Germany in tomorrow night’s critically important match.

They have challenged Leen Mulckhuyse to emulate the offer for every goal scored by the Dutch in tonight’s game.

Hopefully the Foundation will benefit hugely after these two games!

Natalie then described what is known as the Triple Filter Test

In ancient Greece Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.

One day an acquaintance ran up to him and said, “Socrates, do you know what I heard about one of your students…”

“Wait a moment,” said Socrates. “Before you tell me I’d like you to pass the Triple Filter Test”

“Triple Filter Test?”

“That’s correct,” said Socrates

“Before you talk to me about one of my students take a moment to test what you are going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is the truth?”

“No”, the man replied, “I have only just heard it”

“All right,” said Socrates. “So you do don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?

“No, on the contrary……..”

“So,” said Socrates, “you want to tell me something bad about him even though you’re not sure that it is the truth?”

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, “You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student useful to me or not?”

“No, not really…….”

“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither True not Good nor Useful, why tell me at all?

The man was defeated and ashamed and left saying no more.

This was the reason why Socrates was a great philosopher and was held in such high esteem

(It also explains why Socrates never found out that Plato was shagging his wife!)

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

13 July                   D.G./ Arthur Ahlschlager                                              Tortoises                             Lunch venue

19 July                   Ayanda Bambiso              Head: Protocol Nelson Mandela Stadium             Lunch venue

26 July                   Dr Littleton/Meschack Mpotu          First Stem cell transplant in PE              Lunch venue

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                               Humewood Golf Club

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew (standing in for Ian Pringle)

Bulletin No. 48 – 29 June 2010

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Bulletin No. 46 - 15 June 2010

Bulletin No. 46  - 15 June 2010

Attendance at Today’s meeting -  Ken Munro

Make-ups

Birgit Macke, Fred Roberts, Peter Long, Natalie Stear and Ian Pringle at the Ann’s Induction on 14 June

Attendance with Make-ups   72%

Visiting Rotarians

Lionel Heath                                       P.E. East

Darryl Burman                                   Sunrise

Non-Rotarian Guests

Noelle Pearson and Pixie Pringle attended the lunch with their Rotarian husbands

Silke Macke accompanied parents Birgit and Richard (all three wore garlands of black, yellow and red to lunch in honour of the German team that beat Australia 4-0 a few days ago!)

and Liam McGrath accompanied grandfather Fred Roberts

President Ian’s Announcements

1. Kevin Mill’s talk at next week’s lunch on his experiences during the “Way of St James” should be very interesting. Members are urged to attend.
2. To date 97 people have signed up to attend the Induction Dinner that will take place on 29^th at the P.E. Golf Club  when John Rauch will take over the presidency of the club.

Unfortunately to date very few have actually paid. Payments may be made to either Tony Oshry or Terry Baker or, preferably  by direct banking (details in previous Bulletins).

No payments will be accepted  at the function

1. The Ann’s induction, where Heather Rauch took over leadership of the Anns, was held last night at Dessie’s in Main Road Walmer. If this  well-attended function is an indication of the  Ann’s commitment to Rotary this year promises to be very exciting!
2. Brendon Smith has resigned from the Club citing increased business and family commitments
3. Denise Long continues to recover well after her  operation in Gauteng.
4. Cameron Scott will undergo an operation tomorrow.

Our Speakers - Mike Howell and Barry Upton

The Iron Man competition (3.8km sea swim, 180 km cycle ride and a marathon road race), which started in 1978,  is not for the faint-hearted.

At least that is what I thought until both Mike and Barry encouraged us all to enter next year.

Ladies who choose to compete do so under the same rules as the men!

Mike, who participated in the corporate event in 2009, trained for the following  Half Iron Man. He was then persuaded to complete the full Iron Man. This means he completed both events  in one year….. an outstanding achievement.

Barry has completed the Iron Man on 3 occasions, this year in the time of 11.04 hours.

One stat that stunned me was the value of the bikes these intrepid athletes ride. The total value of the cycles used in the last Iron Man in P.E. was a staggering R56 million!!!!!!

An interesting and informative talk.

I for one will be waiting to see if any of our younger Rotarians take up Mike’s challenge and participate in next year’s event!

Sergeant - Pres Ian (in place of the absent Randall Prins)

Pres Ian congratulated Denzil and Anne Stickels on their 51^st wedding anniversary on the 20^th .

Birthday celebrations are recorded for Gavin Brown (15^th), Richard Stephenson (16^th) and Sue Gilmer (22^nd).

Vocational Reading - Terry Baker

The people who get on in the world are people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them                                                                George Bernard Shaw

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

22 June               Kevin Mills: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.The way of St James     Lunch venue

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

6 July                     TBA

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Other Matters

a)       Lionel Heath is looking for hosts for the GSE team arriving from the USA in September. Unfortunately it appears that the team have rather unusual vocations that may be difficult to match

b)      From Trevor Long:

There 461 Rotary Peace Fellows

31% work for NGO’s or other peace-related organizations

20% work for a government agency

12% are pursuing additional advanced degrees in peace-related fields

9% are teachers/professors

7% work in research or academic support positions

5% work for United Nations agencies

2% are journalists

2% are lawyers

and 2% work for the World Bank.

The rest defy easy categorization

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew

Bulletin No. 45 - 8 June 2010

Bulletin No. 45 - 8 June 2010

Today’s meeting was called to order with the blowing of that modern monstrosity, the vuvuzela!

This item of excruciating noise was described by Ben Trovato in last week’s Sunday Times as the noise “a goat makes when in considerable pain” or “an elephant makes when suffering from flatulence”.

Both descriptions are extraordinarily accurate!

Let us rather start our meetings  with the tradition gong!!!!!

Attendance at Today’s meeting - Peggy Saunders

Make-ups

Ian Pringle, John Rauch, Les Kirkland, Peter Long, Gavin Gilmer, George Tzemis and Richard Stephenson at the Project Committee meeting on 3 June

Fred Roberts                                      D.G Induction Dinner                                                     5 June

Attendance with Make-ups  76 %

Visiting Rotarians

Phil Gutsche                                       P. E. Club

David Counihan                                                Sunrise

Non-Rotarian Guests

Alan Young accompanied Anthony Oshry, Chantal Muller came with Ed Gutsche and Pam Cameron-Ellis was accompanied by Denise Black, an Exchange Scholar from Ohio

President Ian’s Announcements

• The Induction Dinner will be held at the P.E. Golf club on 29^th. Cost R125 per person. Please pay Anthony Oshry personally or, and preferably, deposit your payment directly into the Club’s bank account (ABSA bank. Branch code: 632005, Savings Account: 9147171028 in the name of Algoa Bay Rotary Club).

No payment will be received at the function

• Trevor Long has reported that Denise is recovering well after her successful operation in Johannesburg and Bev Radue is waiting very impatiently for his operation scheduled for 22 June.
• Denise Black, the Exchange Scholar from Ohio and hosted by the Port Alfred Rotary Club, spoke briefly. She is obviously having an action-packed stay in South Africa having bought her vuvuzela and tickets to the Korea-Greece game, swam the Red House Mile and bungy-jumped off the Gouritz bridge!

It is most encouraging to see Exchange students getting involved!

• Pres Ian is of the opinion that because of the absence of some of our lady members eg Michelle Brown (on duty at FIFA) and Michelle Lehy and Gianna Doubell (at the Passion Play at Oberammegau) the meeting was much quieter than normal!
• We need to watch Carte Blanche on Sunday evening because Port Elizabeth will apparently feature rather prominently in the programme

Our Speaker - Vidah Manyana

A qualified nurse, mother and grandmother, Mrs Manyana in involved in the Mavai organisation which aims at maximising the potential of young people and giving them the knowledge and skills they will need as they approach their teenage years.

One of the instruments this organisation uses very successfully to achieve their goals is the book Witney’s Kiss,  written specifically for Grade 6 and 7 students and features a rather adventurous 13 year-old girl, a popular guy  and Mrs Pillay, their English teacher.

The book raises issues youngsters normally face at the end of their junior school years which will help them cope as they enter high school and later adulthood. The book encourages them to get involved in critical thinking, establishes values and offers  them choices. Health, social development, HIV/AIDS and life orientation are further issues the book raises.

The book  is published in English, Xhosa and Afrikaans

An  interesting and informative talk

Sergeant -  Ken Munro

After establishing that Arthur Ahlschlager is in possession of the Fellowhip Box and encouraged him to move it on he wished the following happy birthdays:-

Cameron Scott (9^th), Jenny van Graan (10^th) and Malcom Andrew (11^th).

Wedding anniversaries this week are Peter and Wendy Long (10^th) and Michelle and Gavin Brown (12^th).

Ken went on to establish the degree of support and extent of involvement of the Club members in the forthcoming World Cup by asking who is flying the SA flag on the vehicles and/or home, on their side mirrors, how many have makaranas etc etc

Other Matters

a)      Terry and Dorienne Baker were welcomed back from their 3 week 8 527km motorcycle trip via Namibia, Botswana, Caprivi Strip and Zimbabwe. From all accounts this was a wonderful trip which, after a 2 week break, Dorienne  says she will be ready for the next one - apparently up the east coast of Africa!

b)      Bored out of his mind lying in bed waiting for his next knee operation, Bev has used the endless hours very constructively  knitting squares for the Ann’s project that has grabbed the headlines lately.   Honorary Ann?

Vocational Readings - Les Kirkland

a)       Man is a complex being: he makes the desert bloom - and the lakes die

Gil Stern

a)      When we Indians dig roots, we make little holes. When we build houses, we make little holes. When we burn grass for grasshoppers, we don’t ruin things. We shake down acorns and pinenuts. We don’t chop down the trees. We only use dead wood.

But when the white people plow up the ground, they pull down the trees, kill everything. The tree says,           ”Don’t. I am sore. Don’t hurt me”. But they cut it down and chop it up…… They blast rocks and scatter them on the ground… How can the spirit of the Earth like the White man? Everywhere the White man has touched it, it is sore.

Wintu woman, California

As a Matter of Fact

In last week’s Bulletin it was incorrectly stated that Morgan Lehy is a student (I dislike the modern “learner” intensely) at Collegiate.

Morgan of course is a top student at Woodridge.

The error is regretted.

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

15 June                 Barry Upton and Mike Howell             The Ironman competition                        Lunch venue

22 June               Kevin Mills: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.The way of St James     Lunch venue

29 June                Induction Dinner                                                                                                                    Port Elizabeth Golf Club

14 October          Annual Golf Day                                                                                                                   Humewood Golf

Duty Roster

Malcom Andrew