| Volume 15 Issue 43 - 8 May 2007 Editor: Brian Bragg Is "Service Above Self" your motto? Golf Day a Spectacular Success – see story later this issue Last Meeting: Present: PP Roy, Bill, Jim K, Chris, Peter, Stewart, Jes, June, Keiran & Ashley Apologies from: Pres Jim, Vicki, Helen & Brian Absent: Make Ups: Once again PP Roy took up the role of chairing the Meeting in Pres Jim's absence and what a sterling job he did too. We all hope Jim is feeling a little better & will be back with us next week. Congratulations were extended to Ashley & his team on the fantastic efforts for the Golf Day. The preliminary results show a profit of approx. $10,000. Of the number of surveys handed out only 20 were received back all with positive feedback. It was discussed mailing another survey to all attendees asking whether the interest would still be there if the venue was changed, cost increased etc. A separate newsletter will be distributed in the next week or so but for those interested the winners of the raffles were: 1st (Flight & accommodation) Barry Groundwater 2nd (Dozen Stein wines) Renzo Valleri 3rd (Telstra telephone) Jes James The Golf Bag raffle winner was Richard Watts Unfortunately Ashley's bag of 50 Mars Bars went missing and Ashley has advised us, that until the issue is resolved or unless someone admits to needing a gigantic sugar fix by eating them all, he won't be able to be on the Committee next year. (I think we might all have to bring in a 3 pack of Mars Bars to placate him.) Correspondence was noted & passed onto relevant Directors including: paperwork from SES for RESRA a letter from the Salvation Army requesting volunteers from our Club to assist their Red Shield Day – 19th & 20th May to assist with the transporting of students to and from collection points (contact Peter Reeves for more details) paperwork & DVD regarding NYSF applications that have been sent to Year 11 Science Co-ordinators in our area advice of a Tri-District Dinner to be held in honour of International President, Bill Boyd on his arrival in Sydney on Friday 1st June at Bicentennial Park – cost $85 p/h notification of District Change-over Dinner at Parramatta Leagues Club on Saturday 30th June – cost $45 p/h (rsvp 18/6/07) Volunteers called for to man the Rotary stand at the Smithfield – Wetherill Park Business Expo ( part sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce) – 6th June 12 to 7.30pm Jes advised that NSW Fire Brigade had withdrawn from RESRA but that St John's Ambulance, the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service & the NSW Police will all be in attendance. Jes is looking for volunteers to assist him so please advise him asap if you can help. We hope that all members will be in attendance to show support to these dedicated services. Please advise Jes if you will be bringing family/friends with you. The 4 students for RYPEN have had their transport to and from the venue organized. Brian is looking for volunteers to assist with the supervision at RYDA next Tuesday (15th May for Bossley Park High School) and on Monday 18th June when Fairfield High School will attend. If you can assist please contact Brian. Joker Draw: prize $146 – PP Roy was lucky enough to draw out his own ticket but with the skillful shuffling of Keiran & the expert cutting of the pack by Bill, PP Roy was not able to locate the Joker only the Ace of Hearts causing the Joker to Jackpot even further. Pres Elect Keiran fined a number of people for various reasons but also himself for being slow on the uptake to understand a joke Jes told. Please make contact with President Jim, Secretary Bill or PP Keiran if you cannot make it to a meeting. If you are having difficulty making it to regular meetings, please contact us. It might be time to write or talk to President Jim about seeking or extending ''special leave". Next Meeting: Tuesday, 15 May 2007 normal breakfast.
Golf Day The Golf Day was a Spectacular Success Beautiful weather, lots of dedicated volunteers to put up tents, set up the venue, arrange the food, drink and prizes, cook the barbeque, distribute drinks, run the betting hole, organize the auction & raffles and look after all of our golfing guests. Of course they were still there after the event to clean up. All finally went home after 8.00 PM tired but happy. All the details will be published in a special Interlink edition in the near future. Some selected photographs are shown – note particularly the colourful shirts (Thanks Isri). They made all of us look very smart. Take a look at our new trailer making its public debut. Check out the crowd enjoying food & fellowship. The cook is Dwayne, a volunteer from the Sydney Western School – our benefactor. Principal Giovanni was also present as was his Deputy, Catherine. Special thanks go to Ashley and his Committee for all their hard work and worry before and on the day. Thank you to all the Rotarians and friends for making the day such a success. We really appreciate all of our Sponsors with a big thank you to Isri for their huge contribution on the day – and a special thanks to James ( also from Isri) who showed not only is he a good Web Master but also a dedicated and willing helper. TRY THIS Stewart has posted a video showing highlights of the Golf Day on the Internet. To view go to www.navsport.com, then type "Rotary" in the keyword search box. After hitting "enter" go down to "Club Search" Hit "View all results" & then hit on no 15 Wetherill park Club. Then play video and look at the other pictures on the site – aaaargh!!!! If you have specific questions, please contact Ashley direct.
Community Service Report Clubs Open Day sponsored by Fairfield Council to be held on Saturday, 5 August 2007 from 10.00a – 3.00p. Seeking some 6 volunteers for any stall/display – about 2 hours each. As previously suggested we should work closely with Cabramatta Rotary Club to ensure we don't duplicate display. A Shelter Box will be available as part of the display. Approval sought to participate and work with Cabramatta Club. Smithfield Wetherill Park Chamber of Commerce is having a Business Expo on Wednesday 6 June. Our Club will be having a display and volunteers are required to man the display to try and encourage local business to get involved with our Club, either through membership and sponsorship. We should use these opportunities to expand membership. Volunteers for the Clubs Open Day and the Chamber Business Expo contact Peter Reeves Youth Service Nominations to the RYPEN Committee by the closing date 2 May 2007. The following students have been accepted to attend RYPEN. a. Kim Hunter OLMC Parramatta b. Glen Trigg St John's Park High School c. Karla Males Mary Mackillop College d. Lisa Borsellino Mary Mackillop College RYPEN will be conducted at Blue Gum Lodge Springwood from Friday 18th May to Sunday 20th May 2007. A special thank you to Chris Hunter, who has volunteered to drive the candidates to the camp. Family are welcome to take their own children and to attend the break up lunch barbeque on the Sunday and bring them home. Any enquiries about RYPEN, contact Brian Bragg: 0434 357 517 Vocational Service Rotary Emergency Services Recognition Award(RESRA) Dinner to be held on 21 May 2007. Now that the Golf Day is over, we need to turn our energies to the RESRA Dinner on Monday 21st May at Smithfield RSL Club. Lets all get behind Jes and give him our support, firstly and importantly by attending and then volunteering to help on the night eg. Sell raffle tickets, man the door & collect money etc. Please let Jes know urgently of your intentions. Any donations for the raffle will be greatly appreciated. A nomination has been received from Fairfield Police, St John Ambulance, State Emergency Services & the Rural Fire Service. Other nominations are expected. For more details contact Jes James 0411 408 115
Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) Bossley Park High School will be participating in RYDA. Bossley Park High School is attending RYDA on Tuesday, 15 May 2007 and we have been asked to provide 6 volunteers to assist. For anybody who has not had the chance to see this program in operation, this would be a wonderful opportunity to broaden your knowledge. It is an enjoyable day. Brian has 3 volunteers to assist him but still requires another 2 volunteers. Early notification of assistance is needed to assist with catering arrangements. RYDA Volunteers required for Tuesday, 15 May 2007 Contact Brian Bragg – 0434 357 517
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
The Rotary Foundation Through the Rotary Foundation, each Rotarian has the power to change and empower lives. The Mission of the Rotary Foundation is to support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Object of Rotary, Rotary's Mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through: Education Programs: Ambassadorial Scholarships Grants for University teachers Group Study Exchange International Studies in peace & conflict resolution Polio Plus with the aim to eradicate polio from our world Humanitarian Grants Program to Club's and Districts to implement humanitarian projects by way of: Matching Grants District Simplified Grants Health, Hunger & Humanity (3-H) Grants Volunteer Service Grants The Centurion Club Whether you are an active Rotarian or not you can contribute to the great work of Rotary in a personal way by supporting The Rotary Foundation by donating A$100 per year (or more if you wish) to the Centurion Club. All donations are tax deductible & each donation is deducted from the $US100 that our Club has pledged to The Foundation each year on behalf of each member of our Club. There are currently only four financial members of the Centurion Club in our Rotary Club. Other members have made donations in past years & it would be wonderful if every member could participate this financial year. Here's a chance to make a difference. If you have any queries please contact either Lyn Tester (District Registrar) on 4774 0737 or myself on 0418 633 653. June International Director
"OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES" HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
- Alan, age 10
WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
- Freddie, age 6 (very wise for his age)
HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
- Derrick, age 8
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MUM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
- Lori, age 8
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that Usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
- Martin, age 10
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich.
- Pam, age 7
The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- Howard, age 8
IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
I don't know which is better, but I'll tell you one thing. I'm never going to have sex with my wife. I don't want to be all grossed out.
- Theodore, age 8
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
- Ricky, age 10
Just a quick note from the editor It was heartening to see so many members at the Golf Day. Not only did we raise funds for a local needy cause we had fun and fellowship together. It can be great fun to be a Rotarian – but you need to be involved. Let's all try and raise the average level of involvement. One good way to make a difference is to introduce and mentor a potential new member. Or if your attendance has not been up to par of late – make a commitment to at least attend one meeting or function every month. If any member has some news from other members please contact your editor and share the news. The Interlink newsletter will be written by the following people in the coming months. | Month: | Monthly Editor | | May 2007 | Brian Bragg | | June 2007 | Peter Reeves | | July 2007 | Bill Robb | | | | | | | Don't forget to support them by submitting interesting info for inclusion in one of the forthcoming editions. Suggestions for submissions to Interlink newsletter can be an article, a joke or amusing story, a photo, directors or committee report, a reminder, an idea, anything of interest to the member's family and friends. Remember this is our Interlink, be a part of it. For example – from PP Jim K On a whim a man decided to get his wife a dozen roses and surprise her after work.
The minute he opened the door, his wife took one look at the flowers in his hand and started screaming, "This is the worst day that I have EVER had! The kids have been
terrible. They got in a food fight, the washing machine broke and flooded the basement, I burned dinner, and the dog chewed up my best pair of shoes... AND NOW YOU'VE GOT THE NERVE TO COME HOME DRUNK!" And from PP Roy: A priest, a Pentecostal preacher, and a Rabbi would get together every week for coffee and to talk shop. One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard. A real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it. Seven days later they're all together to discuss the experience. Father Flannery, who has his arm in a sling, is on crutches, and has various bandages, goes first. "Well," he says, "I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when I found him I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy God, he became as gentle a lamb. The bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmation." Reverend Billy Bob spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, with an arm and both legs in casts, and an IV drip. In his best fire and brimstone oratory he claimed, "WELL brothers, you KNOW that we don't sprinkle! I went out and I FOUND me a bear. And then I began to read to my bear from God's HOLY WORD! But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I took HOLD of him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, UP another and DOWN another until we came to a creek. So I quick DUNKED him and BAPTIZED his hairy soul. And just like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. We spent the rest of the day praising The Lord." They both looked down at the rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IV's and monitors running in and out of him. He was in bad shape. The rabbi looks up and says, "Looking back on it, circumcision may not have been the best way to start." To stay up to date with current and future events why not breakfast have with us on Tuesday and make sure you visit us at www.wprotary.com.au Editor: Brian Bragg |