CROSSROADSRotary Club of Singapore Vol. 48 / 20

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25th

nov

. 201

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Joke of the week“What did God say after creating man ?I must be able to do better than that”From the book of Humour compiled by Rewa MirpuriHAVE MANY LAUGHS AND HELP THE NEEDYhttp://www.rotary.org.sg/bookofhumour.html

PANEL DISCUSSION ON “THE ROTARY FOUNDATION”SPEAKERS: PP Paliath Mohandas, Rtn. Robert Craiu, PP Dr. Oliver HennedigeMODERATOR: VP Brigitte Holtschneider

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Introductory remarks

President Tapan Rao welcomed members to the 4th meeting of The Rotary Foundation Month (TRF). He added that the highlight of the meeting would be the panel discussion on the Foundation which would be moderated by Vice President and TRF Chair, Rtn. Brigitte Holtschneider with 3 speakers – PPs Paliath Mohandas, Dr. Oliver Hennedige and Rtn. Robert Craiu. President Tapan also thanked Vice President Ashi Sarwal for chairing last week’s meeting.

Exchange of banners

Club banners were exchanged with the Rotary Club of Agrigento and Rotary Club of Paris Nord-Est.

We thank all members for their donations to the Sunshine Box – the total collection this week was S$919.00, including a donation from PDG Willy Wiguna who was present at the meeting.

Sunshine Box Collection

We thank all members for their donations to the Sunshine Box – the total collection this week was S$919.00, including a donation from PDG Willy Wiguna who was present at the meeting.

Welcome of visiting Rotarians and guests

Director Peter-Paul Nijsten welcomed our guests and visiting rotarians.

- Guests :Mr. Sari ChristianMr. Louis LimMr. Giuseppe Mendola

Visitors :PDG Willy W. Wiguna – Jakarta AG Erich Schneider – QueenstownSalvatore Taormina – Agrigento, SicilyPhilippe Tauvel – Paris Nord-Est, France

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Toast

Toastmaster, Rtn. C H Tan invited visiting Rtn. Salvatore Taormina and his guest, Mr. Giuseppe Mendola to address the Club. Mr. Mendola spoke on behalf of Rtn. Salvatore, who presented the Club with a bottle of wine and boxes of chocolates, which were much appreciated. Rtn. Salvatore and Mr. Mendola were in Singapore for a Food and Wine Conference and warmly invited members to visit their beautiful country, Sicily.

The Rotary Foundation

PP Paliath Mohandas started the discussion by presenting the slides which he received from PDG Dr. K.A. Abraham, highlighting the programmes of The Rotary Foundation. He also briefed members on the history of TRF and spoke of the educational and humanitarian programmes of the Foundation. (A copy of the presentation material is available from the Secretariat.)Next, Rtn. Robert Craiu spoke of TRF’s Matching Grants programme, adding that the Club was a donor club undertaking projects with other Rotary Clubs to aid the poorer countries. He hoped to get more members involved in the Matching Grant projects, and not just International Service Committee members. He summarized the Club’s list of matching grants which were being undertaken, some of which funding was still required. PP Dr. Oliver Hennedige stated that The Rotary Foundation was the “Face of Rotary” and proceeded to give a wide overview of the various programmes of the Foundation. He highlighted the fact that through the funding provided by TRF, there were 47,000 Ambassadorial Scholars from 110 countries, who have benefited from this programme.

After the presentations, the floor was opened to members for their questions to the panel speakers and there was a lively debate on the Foundation’s programmes as well as funding issues. In closing the discussions, President Tapan hoped that members would consider contributing at least US$100 towards the Foundation’s Annual Fund.

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Vocational visit to Boys town

Rtn. Dr. Irina Francken announced that there would be a visit to Boys’ Town on Friday, December 9th, 2011 at 3.00pm. She advised that the visit was open to all members, their families and friends. She added that a presentation on Boys’ Town would be made at the weekly meeting of December 7th 2011.

New members

President Tapan was pleased to call upon PE Jimmy Ooi and Rtn. Uttam Kripalani to introduce their candidates, Rtns. Jeremy Han and Suman Aggarwal, whose classifications are “Education: Leadership Training” and “Art Consultant” respectively. Particulars of Rtns. Suman and Jeremy will be circulated to members. Upon their induction, President Tapan invited Rtn. Suman, followed by Rtn. Jeremy to say a few words about their decision to join the Club. Rtn. Suman stated her pleasure in joining the Club and recounted her family’s involvement with children’s charities, particularly with the Mother Teresa’s ashrams. She hoped to help raise awareness of activities

which the Club was not involved in and looked towards the senior members for their wisdom and support. Rtn. Suman also assured members that she planned to get more women to join the Club! Rtn. Jeremy warmly thanked members for accepting him into the Club. He spoke of his involvement in community work which started in his university, including his work mentoring troubled youths, which he continued with in his teaching career. Rtn. Jeremy added that he joined PE Jimmy on one of the Club’s projects to Thailand and found that Rotary was a good platform for him to continue his community involvement.

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The Guide to Daily LivingBefore doing the things we want to do, consider first, the precept of the guide. Ask ourselves these 4 questions and act upon them:First: Have I spent some time in self-examination?Second: Have I spent quality time with my family?Third: Have I given my best to my work?Fourth: Have I given some time to someone near and far?The Guide, in fact, encompasses the 4 parts of the Object of Rotary.

MARK YOUR DIARYBirthday celebrantsRC wishes Happy Birthday to celebrants: December 1 – Carlo Van Den AkkerDecember 2 – Jayant GadgilDecember 6 – Director Dr. Christopher Teo & T K Chew

Anniversary CelebrantsRC sends best wishes to Wedding Anniversary celebrants: December 6 – Director Dr. Christopher & Karen Teo

This weekNovember 30th 2011

Reception Desk duty: Peter-Paul Nijsten, Moshood OlaniyanSunshine Box duty: PP Philip Leong, Joseph Chia

Speaker: Honorary Member, His Excellency Mr. Yoichi Suzuki, Ambassador for JapanTopic: “Beyond The Quake”

Community Service Date of meeting to be advised

Next week December 7th 2011

Reception Desk duty: PP Peter Tan, Jim PollockSunshine Box duty: Jean-Philippe Lionnet, C H Tan

Speaker: Ms. Jean Elizabeth Lee, writer and film director Topic: Gathering Support for a wonderful short film, "Cahaya"

Vocational Service Date of meeting to be advised.

COMING ROTARY EVENTS NovemberRotary Foundation Month

DecemberFamily Month

December 9thVisit to Boys’ Town at 3.00pm

December 15thChristmas Fellowship Dinner

JanuaryRotary Awareness Month

FebruaryWorld Understanding Month

February 23rd World Understanding and Peace Day

The Four-Way TestOf the Things we think, say or do:* Is it the truth?* Is it fair to all concerned?* Will it build goodwill and better friendship?* Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Queries, comments and articles request can be sent to Jean-Philippe Lionnetbulletin@rotary.org.sg