APRIL IS MAGAZINE MONTH Weekly Bulletin: Wednesday 15 April 2015 Dates of interest: Birthdays Club Anniversaries 30 April—John Moss snr Chairman President Helen opened tonight’s meeting, welcoming Kirsten Stokes, her parents and a 6-member support crew; also 5 partners, Barb and John D. - Thanks to the members who worked on the 3 BBQs for the Royal Commission into Child Abuse, especially Colin Schwab who was there all three days and organized the trailer to be in place. - She and Colin S. have interviewed Shaynee Ackland and Tyson Richards, both from Stirling North and attending PASS, for next year’s Youth Exchange and also Peter Wallace-Beach who is keen to attend the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra next January—they found all three to be good candidates. (Note, the name in last week’s bulletin that should have been Tyson was one of Helen’s “Shirleys”) Bottle Roster Guest speaker, returning exchange student Kirsten Stokes. This week: Colin & Helen After selection and orientation in 2013, Kirsten left for Germany in January 2014. She was eager to meet her first host family, but they ran a restaurant/hotel/party service, which left them little family time, and were not the ideal placement. Kirsten realizes that she should have spoken earlier about their lack of acceptance, but in retrospect says that sticking it out made her a stronger person. Events 9 May—NDMA show 16-17 May—Group 8 Muster 17 May—Undercover market 20 May—BBQ at Hospital 23-24 May—Rotary Leadership Institute (Adelaide) 28 June—Pichi Richi Marathon Next Week’s Program 29 April—mystery guest speaker She had to start school on the first day she was there and it sounds like school was a positive—she tried everything in spite of the fact that their standards were higher than here, and their expectations of her were not great—although she didn’t get marked, her certificate of recognition was enough to allow her to skip straight from year 10 before she left to year 12 when she got home. She went to Rotary meetings weekly, and found them interesting—the Rotarians were accepting and looked after her well for the year. She went on a 3-week tour of Germany with the other exchange students during this time. She was excited to meet her second family, and they were a happier match. A daughter was about to go on exchange to Argentina. She had lots of good experiences with this family. During her school holidays she was able to visit Erik and his family in Holland. Rotary district arranged for the students to go to Octoberfest. Her third family she already knew, and enjoyed her time with them. This included going to their cabin in the alps when they had to carry everything on foot for about two hours to reach it in the snow. Her oldest brother was about to become a ski instructor and he taught her to ski well enough to then attend a ski school on the Austrian border where she met lots more nice people. She then went on a Berlin tour for the students. Christmas was family oriented—a real tree was decorated, presents opened after tea on 24th, and then a midnight church service. New Year was seen in with lots of fireworks. In this issue: 1. Welcome 2. Youth Exchange 3. Reports Packing her new life in a 30kg suitcase was too hard, and she sent about 20kg more home separately. She had a farewell party to say goodbye to everyone. Hardest was saying goodbye to her last two host families at the airport. Kirsten expressed her gratitude for all the support from her Rotary clubs at home and in Germany, and her family, friends and hosts. In question time, we found that she is continuing with German at school; the only beer she drank was under supervision of Rotarians; she put on weight with her first family, but got back to normal later on (and grew taller as well, we thought); and apart from there being more pork than sheep meat, the food wasn’t that much different to home. Community Director Colin When offered a month at the Coles Undercover Market, doing the gate and BBQ, Colin found that it was the same weekend as the Group 8 Muster at Spear Creek, but it would be unwise to turn the offer down, so he is looking for 7 people to work on the Sunday morning. Rotary Port Augusta We have been asked for a quote to cater for a group of 150 at the Hospital on 20 May, doing just sausages, burgers and veggie burgers with bread and sauce—no salads. PO Box 182 Port Augusta SA 5700 Along with Steve and Ron, Colin and Helen, he attended PETS last Sunday and actually enjoyed it! It was interestingwas and relevant. that Portand Lincoln is going to trial for the Theall Raffle won byNoted Norma, she drew thefortnightly four ofmeetings spades—the winter period, when many members leave town. [email protected] Raffle 0457 460 151 President’s closing remarks Norma won the raffle before a somewhat unenthusiastic fines session—the silver bowls probably did OK though as everyone put their ‘guilty conscience’ them instead Next week’s meeting—As you will money haveinseen from the May program, www.rotaryportaugusta.org.au The Guiding Principles Object of Rotary The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and in particular, to encourage and foster: 1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; 2. High ethical standards in business and professions and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; 3. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life; 4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. The Four-way Test Of the things we think, say and do: Is it the Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned? Avenues of Service We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity. Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan. Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve public interest. International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. Youth Service recognises the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs. jackpot was $548.75 next week willClosing see the Special President Helen’s Remarks Events Committee meeting, but the Clubonce andagain Community Committees’ meetings have been cancelled. Helen thanked Kirsten for her presentation. Some are required forgood catering forday, a with Polly Farmer event at She addedmembers that District Assembly was a really interactive about 25 attendees. the Golf Club. They know who they are—details of what is required She did her “would you like to join Rotary?” spiel when she went to her physiotherapist in Quorn, and will be sent byhad email asthesoon asYouth Graham given thissponsored information. discovered that she been to National Science is Forum in 2000, from Darwin. The meeting wasnote: closed with Four Way Test. Important thethefollowing week’s meeting (15th) will be 5.45 for 6pm start at the new Salvation Army complex in Carlton Parade, followed by a fellowship evening at Paul and Viti Smith’s home—124 Flinders Tce. - Saturday 15 June is the Roxby District Club’s changeover, celebrating 5 years—a good time is promised to anyone wishing to attend. - Some great news: this year to date there have been 26 confirmed cases of polio in the world against 44 to the same time last year. Pakistan 6, Afghanistan 1, and Nigeria 19. Your monetary efforts are contributing towards this goal and it is so achievable, so please remember the silver bowls on the tables at each meeting for the donation of coins towards End Polio Now. - Bottle collectors should note that the recycling depot is closed on Saturday mornings for the winter months, and the trailer should be taken to Merv’s place at the end of each collection. “If things stay the same, we are going backwards!”
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