rotary club of angeles centro

Hoagie
Philadelphian word for a sub sandwhich. Word likely has its origins from "Hog Island", which was an island intersecting the Delaware and Schuylkyl Rivers. The Irish and Italian people who lived there during the early 20th century where known as "Hog Islanders." In addition, they referred to one another many times as "Hogans" during their lunchbreaks. Eventually, the unique sandwhiches the men ate (they where large loaves of Philadelphian bread Hilled with meats-­‐-­‐a precurser to the moder sub/hoagie) simply became known as "hoggies." Sometime by the end of WWII, the word transformed into its modern pronunciation and spelling: "hoagie."
A hoagie is a style of sandwich popular in Philadelphia and the surrounding region. It consists of an elongated roll typically packed with a selection of cold lunch meats, sliced cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sweet or hot peppers, oregano, and olive oil. The roll is sliced down its length forming a cradle for the ingredients, somewhat like a hot dog bun. Having originated in the Philadelphia area, Hoagies are now commonly eaten in a wider region including Scranton, Pittsburgh, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and southern Ohio. Hoagies have a resemblance to sub or a hero sandwiches, but are distinct.
The original "hoagie" is what is now referred to as an "Italian Hoagie" which includes a variety of traditional Italian lunch meats, including dry salami, mortadella, capicolla, and provolone served with lettuce, tomato and onions with a light vinegar and oil dressing.
The Official Club Bulletin of
ROTARY CLUB OF
ANGELES CENTRO
District 3790
Club Number 21777
Chartered April 24, 1984
January 27, 2012
Issue #27
Volume 28
Entrepreneurial “hokey-­‐pokey men” sliced the loaf in half, stuffed it with antipasto salad, and sold the world’s Hirst hoagie.”
Former Philadelphia mayor (now Pennsylvania governor) Ed Rendell declared the hoagie the "OfHicial Sandwich of Philadelphia".
Our Website: www.rotaryclubofangelescentro.com
Rotary International
ROTARY CLUBS WHERE TO MAKE UP:
District 3790, Cluster3C
Club Number 21777
Chartered April 24, 1984
CLUB
Kalyan “Kalyan” Banerjee
R.I. President
Digna “Digna” Ragasa
District Governor
Ellen “Ellen” Uy
Assistant District Governor
Rotary Club of Angeles Centro Officers & Directors
Jesus “Jess” S. Talens
Wilmario “Will” L. David
Reymundo “Rey” L. Tolentino
Norman “Norman” A. Gluck
Michael “Mike” D. Bautista
John “John” T. Maniago
Rolando “Roland” D. Reyes
Francisco “Arlene” R. Buan, Jr
Norman “Norman” A. Gluck
Joel “Joel” C Bondoc
Rico “Rico” H. Roque
John “John” Maniago
Efren “Efren” L. David
Rogelio “Roger” D. Torno
Reymundo “Rey” Tolentino
Jaime “Jim” D. Pamintuan
Lionel “Boy” L. Maliwat
Vicente “Vic” G. dela Resma
Norman “Norman” A. Gluck
Ricardo “Ric” M. Balatbat
Gregorio “Jun” A. Lumanlan
President
Vice President
Immediate Past President
President Elect / Secretary
Treasurer
Auditor
Sergeant at Arms
Chairman, Administration Committee
Administration Committee - Bulletin/Attendance
Administration Committee – Fellowship
Administration Committee – Youth
Administration Committee - Speakers Bureau
Chairman, Membership Committee
Co-chairman, Membership Committee
Chairman, Pubic Relations Committee
Co-chairman, Public Relations Committee
Chairman, Service Project Committee
Service Project Committee – Community
Service Project Committee - Vocational Programs
Chairman, Rotary Foundation Committee
Co-chairman, Rotary Foundation Committee
A
RC Angeles North
RC Angeles Kuliat
RC Clark Centennial
RC Mabalacat
RC Angeles Friendship
RC Clarkfield
RC Angeles West
RC Metro A Centennial
RC Balibago
RC Metro Clark
RC Angeles
RC Dau
RC Magalang
RC Metro Angeles
RC Pampanga North
RC Angeles Midtown
DAY
TIME
VENUE
Mon
Tues
Tues
Tues
Tues
Tues
Wed
Wed
Wed
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat.
Fri
Fri
Sat
7:00 PM
12:30 PM
12:30 PM
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
12:30 PM
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
12:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Shanghai Restaurant
Garden Dine Restaurant
Blue Boar Inn
Garden Dine Restaurant
Sinyang Cultural Center
Holiday Inn - Clark
Mamasuk Restaurant
Wanjai Restaurant
Graceland Restaurant
Angeles Fried Chicken
Rib-Eye Steakhouse
RC Dau Training Center
Res. of PP Andy Chan
Palito’s Restaurant
Max’s Restaurant, Dau
Marlim Mansion Hotel
ROTARY CLUB OF ANGELES CENTRO
MAKEUP CARD
Welcome to our regular weekly meeting
POSITION & NAME:
Rotary Club of:
SEC. NORMAN A. GLUCK
Date
Page 17
15
Invocation
Listen and Hear
Let My Eyes Be Opened
Let me awake and see the beauty that surrounds me all around.
Let me hear the singing birds make their wonderful sound.
Let me thank God for my health that has been good to me so far. Let
all my dreams come true when wishing upon a star.
Let me be thankful for friendship that was lovingly given me.
Let me never forget the caring that was made for me to see.
After God set seven plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh's servants Hinally said to him:
"How long will this be a snare for us? Send out the men that they may serve ... God! Do you not know that Egypt is lost?" (Exodus 10:7)
The Egyptians had just experienced seven severe plagues that God set upon them. Even though Pharaoh had also witnessed all of it, he still remained stubborn in refusing to let all of the Jews go free. However, Pharaoh's servants -­‐ the ones who waited on their master hand and foot -­‐ had complete clarity: if the Jews were not freed, then Egypt and its inhabitants would be completely destroyed.
LUPANG HINIRANG
Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan
Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y buhay
Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil
How is it that a king was unable to see what was so abundantly clear to everyone else?
The reason is that often we're much too close to a situation to be able to see it objectively. Since it was Pharaoh who was speaking directly to Moses, he was too emotionally charged with what was happening to "his" country. Too close to the forest to be able to see the trees. Pharaoh -­‐ like many of us who are too close to something in our own lives -­‐ has the misguided belief that since we feel we know the situation the best, then we're also in the best position to know what should be done. Therefore, we won't entertain any other ideas or opinions.
Sa dagat at bundok
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw
May dilag ang tula at awit
Sa paglayang minamahal
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya
kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo.
B
It all comes down to objectivity. Whenever someone is emotionally immersed in something, then by deHinition he will have little or no objectivity. How often have you known someone who was involved in an unhealthy personal relationship but failed to see just how detrimental it was? And he justiHied being closed-­‐minded to any other opinions because he embraced the notion that "no one knows the person like he does." And that's exactly why he can never be objective or act rationally. Anyone so close to a situation loses the larger picture and cannot see it clearly.
This is why it's imperative always to seek others out and sincerely ask for and hear their advice. Our human nature will oftentimes discount what other people are telling us. This is because if we embrace their viewpoints, then we have to admit to ourselves that we made poor choices and will continue to do so. This "saving face" mentality of not hearing good advice is why people continue to just rationalize their poor behavior instead of changing.
One can never grow or become great with this philosophy. The greatest men have always been able to admit their wrongs of the past and then, based upon a new perspective, choose to make healthy and productive choices.
So listen to those around you who know you well and whose opinions you value. But the ball will ultimately still be in your court, so Hight the urge to justify your past actions and start taking good advice. While it might not be easy on your ego to do this, it will, however, make you great.
Page 2
Page 15
Controversy Corner
ROTARY CLUB OF ANGELES CENTRO
Shanghai Palace Restaurant
MacArthur Hwy, Balibago, Angeles City
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM
TEACH WITH ANSWERS
January 27, 2012 at 7:30pm
I -­‐ D I N N E R It is the duty of a parent to encourage his or her
children to ask questions, and the child who does
not yet know how to ask should be taught to ask.
II -­‐ CALL TO ORDER There is nothing natural about this at all. To the
contrary, it goes dramatically against the grain of
history. Most traditional cultures see it as the task
of a parent or teacher to instruct, guide or
command. The task of the child is to obey.
"Children should be seen, not heard," goes the
old English proverb. "Children, be obedient to
your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing
to the Lord," says a famous Christian text.
Socrates, who spent his life teaching people to
ask questions, was condemned by the citizens of
Athens for corrupting the young. In Judaism the
opposite is the case. It is a religious duty to teach
our children to ask questions. That is how they
grow.
Page 16
B
Pres. Jess Talens
Invocation -­‐ page 2 Pambansang Awit -­‐ page 2 THE 4 WAY TEST -­‐ page 3 Highlights of Last Weeks’ Meeting -­‐ page 4 Introduction of Visiting Rotarians & Guests Sunshine Report & Community Singing -­‐ page 5 III-­‐ THE ONE-­‐MINUTE RULE Rtn Ben Torres
Pre-­‐recorded music
PP John Maniago
PE/Sec. Norman Gluck
PP Joel Bondoc
PP Ric Balatbat
IV-­‐ Rotary information -­‐ page 6 Finest Hour -­‐ page 10 Secretary’s Report -­‐ page 7 Treasurer’s Report -­‐ page 7 PP Efren David
IPP Rey Tolentino
PE/Sec. Norman Gluck
Treas. Mike Bautista
V – PRESIDENT’S TIME Pres Jess Talens
VI – ADJOURNMENT Pres Jess Talens
Program Moderator
FELLOWSHIP
All Rotarians
PP Arlene Buan
FELLOWSHIP
Page 1
FELLOWSHIP
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
District # 3790 & Asia
Date
Event
March 23-24, 2012
DISCON
May 6-9, 2012
RI Convention
Bangkok, Thailand
June 09, 2012
Year End Review
RC Sta. Barbara
February 11, 2012
Host Club / Venue
Family Day
`
1. Is it the TRUTH ?
YES!
RC Tarlac
2. Is it FAIR to all Concerned ?
RC Vigan
YES!
3. Will it build GOODWILL
and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS ?
YES!
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL
to all concerned ?
YES!
Co
mp
ute
r l
it
February 3, 2012 9am - 12pm computer basics
February 10, 2012 9am - 12pm Microsoft Word
February 17, 2012 9am - 12pm Microsoft excel
February 24, 2012 9am - 12pm Powerpoint
And Natural Medicine
February 3, 2012
February 10, 2012
February 17, 2012
February 24, 2012
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
3
4
5
6
2nd floor, parish hall, holy rosary parish
church, sto. rosario st. (beside holy
angel university), angeles city
Page 14
er
ac
y
Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2
million business, professional, and community
leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as
Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage
high ethical standards in all vocations, and help
build goodwill and peace in the world.
There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200
countries and geographical areas. Clubs are
nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures,
races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service
Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in
the community, in the workplace, and throughout the
world.
Page 3
Presidents’ Circle
This friday we continued our ongoing Job
Training Programs with our “H.I.R.E. Program
(Helping Individuals Reach Employment) as well
as our popular continuing Massage Therapy &
Natural Medicine Training Program.
2000-01
2007-08
Remigio “Rem” Leaño
Creata Awareness Take Action
RI Pres. Frank Devlun
DG Julian Benigno S. Uy
Rogelio “Roger” Torno
Rotary Shares
RI Pres. Wilfrid J. Wilkinson
DG Lorenzo “Owens” Torres
AG Ellen Uy
2001-02
Jose Rizalino “Joey” Mendez
Manking is our Business
RI Pres. Richard D. King
DG Marquez O. Go
2002-03
We have our February seminar schedule already
planned and in place for a continuation of our
highly successful and popular Job Training &
Vocational Education Programs.
Pedro “Peter” Tolentino
Sow the Seeds of Love
RI Pres. Bhichal Rattakul
DG Edmyr Macabulos
C
2003-04
Danilo “Dan” David
Lend a Hand
RI Pres. Jonathan B. Majiyagbe
DG Vittorius O. Gutierrez
2004-05
Co
mp
ute
r l
it
February 3, 2012 9am - 12pm computer basics
February 10, 2012 9am - 12pm Microsoft Word
February 17, 2012 9am - 12pm Microsoft excel
February 24, 2012 9am - 12pm Powerpoint
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
1 am - 4 pm Massage Therapy
3
4
5
6
2nd floor, parish hall, holy rosary parish
church, sto. rosario st. (beside holy
angel university), angeles city
Page 4
ac
y
John “John” Maniago
Celebrate Rotary
RI Pres. Glen E. Estess, Sr.
DG John Paul S. Cadaing
AG Manuel “Manny” Alfonzo
2005-06
And Natural Medicine
February 3, 2012
February 10, 2012
February 17, 2012
February 24, 2012
er
Jaime “Jim” D. Pamintuan
Service Above Self
RI Pres. Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammer
DG Gerardo “Gerpy” Erguiza
AG Jose “Jojo” Flores
2008-09
Francisco “Arlene” Buan Jr.
Make Dreams Real
RI Pres. Dong Kurn Lee
DG Jesus “Jess” S. Nicdao
AG Jim Sebree
2009-10
Joel “Joel’ C Bondoc
The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands
RI Pres. John Kenny
DG Rolando “Oyan” Villanueva
AG Ruel Reyes
2010-11
Reymundo “Rey” L. Tolentino
Building Communities Bridging Continents
RI Pres. Ry Klinginsmith
DG Manuel “Manny” Yu
AG Peter S. Uy
2011-12
Jesus “Jess” S. Talens
Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
RI Pres. Kalyan Banerjee
DG Digna Ragasa
AG Ellen S. Uy
2006-07
Gregorio “Jun” Lumanlan
Lead the Way
RI Pres. William Boyd
DG Florentino “Bishop” Cinense
AG Romulo “Romy” Pecson
Page 13
Rotary Year 2011 - 2012
Rotary Manual of Procedure
15
Relatives of Rotarians
All Rotary clubs and Rotarians should take into account the
spouses and fami- lies of Rotary club members when planning
activities. These individuals con- tribute to the service objectives
and fellowship that derive from association with a Rotary club.
(89-139)
Many clubs are privileged to have committees or other
associations com- posed of relatives of Rotarians cooperating
with and supporting them in service and other Rotary club
activities. Clubs are encouraged to sponsor groups of spouses or
families of Rotarians within the following guidelines:
1) The auxiliary group, committee, or organization should be
associated and maintain regular communication with the local
Rotary club of which their spouses or family members are
members.
D
MEMBER’S NAME
SPOUSE
CLASSIFICATION
PP. Ricardo M. Balatbat
Treas. Michael D. Bautista
Rtn. Rodrigo Bautista
PP. Joel C. Bondoc
PP. Francisco R. Buan, Jr.
Rtn Remigio C. Bundalian
PP. Efren L. David
Rtn. Wilmario L. David
Rtn Nardo C. dela Cruz
Dir. Vicente G. dela Resma
PE/Sec. Norman A. Gluck
Rtn Edgar C. Hasegawa
PP Gregorio A. Lumanlan
Dir. Lionel L. Maliwat
PP. John. T. Maniago
Rtn. Rolando D. Reyes
Rtn Manuel T. Sandico
Pres. Jesus S. Talens
IPP. Reymundo L. Tolentino
PP. Roger D. Torno
Rtn. Benjamin A. Torres
Corazon
Trina
Mel
Arcely
Lorenza
Structural Engineering
Lease and Financing
Accounting/Financial Service
Building Management
Law Practice
US Navy & Auditor (Reta.)
Contractor Civil Works
Master Planning
Hospital Admin/SVS
Building Lessor
Design/Manufacturing
Universal Banking
Real Estate Broker
Chemical Trading & Hardware
CPA Practice
US Air Force (Reta.)
Drugstore/Wholesale/Retail
Furniture Maker/Exporter
Universal Banking (Reta.)
Architectural Design
Universal Banking (Reta.)
Evelyn
Flocerpina
Lita
Maria
Grace Ann
Nellie
Rose
Nimfa
Joy
Anna
Leticia
Cristina
Elisa
Isabel
Ed “Ed” Aguilar
Murrel “Murrel” Mangubat
2) The group’s objectives should include the support of Rotary
club service activities, the encouragement of friendship among
the members, and the promotion of the general ideals of Rotary.
Angelo “Ely” Angeles
John “John” Maniago
3) The group’s activities, projects, and programs should be
principally in sup- port of or complementary to the objectives of
the local Rotary club.
Ruben “Ben” Cabiao
It is intended that auxiliary type groups or organizations be only
informally associated with the local club. (RCP 6.020.1.) These
groups should review the restrictions on the use of the Rotary
Marks (see chapter 5).
Cristinio “Tito” Cortez
Marcelino “Lino” Alapag
Rodgie Mendiola
Ner “Ner” L.S. Biag Jr.
Oscar “Oscar” Orille
Samuel “Sammy” Bugayong
Antonio “Tony” Pineda
Bert “Bert” Restituto
George “Superman” Canlas
Jolly “Jolly” Roman
William “William” Chu
Romeo “Romy” Rosas
Efren “Jeff” Chua
Pete Roxas
Sol Wilfredo “Sol” Flores
Robert “Robert” So
Cezar “Bong” Gerardo
Ricardo “Cardito” Tayag
Jesus “Jess” Gozun
Nelson “Nelson” Timbol
Rogelio “Roger” Malijan
Page 6
Antonio “Tony” Ventura
Page 11
Presidents’ Circle
1984-85
1992-93
Cristino “Tito” Cortez (CP)
Discover a New World of Service
RI Pres. Carlos Canseco
DG Carlos D. Santiago
Samuel “Sammy” Bugayong
Real Happiness is Helping Others
RI Pres. Clifford I. Dochterman
DG Jesus T. Lindayag
1985-86
1993-94
Cezar “Bong” Gerardo
You are the Key
RI Pres. Edward F. Cadman
DG Ruben G. Henson Jr.
Efren “Jeff” Chua
Believe in What You
DO Do What You Believe In
RI Pres. Robert R. Barth
DG Roberto L. Legaspi
1986-87
1994-95
Robert “Robert” So
Rotary Brings Hope
RI Pres. M.A.T. Caparas
DG Ricardo O. Hipolito
Efren “Efren” David
Be a Friend
RI Pres. William H. Huntley
DG Jess Cano Chua
BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS:
Nardo Delacruz
Remigio Leano
Rey Tolentino
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRANTS:
D
1987-88
1995-96
Ner Luciano “Ner” Biag Jr.
Emerito “Mer” Sanchez
Rotarians – United in Service Dedicated to Peace
Act with Integrity, Serve with Love,
RI Pres. Charlec C. Keller
Work for Peace
DG Cesario C. Mendoza
RI Pres. Herbert G. Brown
DG Nelson N. Yuchongtian
1988-89
Zoilo “Jessie” Lacsina
Put Life into Rotary – Your Life
RI Pres. Royce Abbey
DG Rodolfo N. San Juan
1989-90
Noelito “Noel’ Serrano
Enjoy Rotary
RI Pres. Hugh M. Archer
DG Adelino T. Lugue
1990-91
Carlos “Charlie” Sandico
Honor Rotary with Faith & Enthusiasm
RI Pres. Paulo V.C.Costa
DG Renato Lozada
1991-92
Renato “Jun” Zingalaoa
Look Beyond Yourself
RI Pres. Rajendra K. Saboo
DG Carmelo S. Narcisco
Jap Hasegawa
Vic dela Resma
Wilmario David
Boy Maliwat
Ben Torres
Jan. 8
Jan.23
Jan.25
Jan.29
Jan.31
Wedding Anniversary Song
(Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin)
Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed!
We vowed our true love, though a word wasn't said.
The world was in bloom. there were stars in the skies,
Except for the few that were there in your eyes.
1996-97
Dear, as I held you close in my arms,
Angels were singing a hymn to your charms.
Two hearts gently beating, murmuring low,
"Darling, I love you so."
Leonardo “Jun” Romero Jr.
Build the Future with Action & Vision
RI Pres. Luis Vicente Glay
DG Lutgardo M. Lao
The night seemed to fade into blossoming dawn.
The sun shone anew, but the dance lingered on.
Could we but relive that sweet moment sublime,
We'd find that our love is unaltered by time.
1997-98
Kabilugan Ng Buwan
Ricardo “Ric” Balatbat
Show Rotary Cares for your Community, for our World,
for it’s People
RI Pres. Glen W. Kinross
DG Emiliano D. Joven
1998-99
Reynaldo “Rey” Dizon
Follow your Rotary Dream
RI Pres. James L. Lacey
DG Antonio Y. Angeles
1999-2000
Page 12
Jan.5
Jan. 6
Jan. 23
Felipe “Philip” Quizon
Act with Consistency, Credibility, Continuity
RI Pres. Carlo Ravizza
DG Albino V. Gonzales
This is the moment
I've waited for
I can hear my heart singing
Soon bells will be ringing
This is the moment
love sweet Aloha
I will love you longer than
forever
Promise me that you will
leave me never
Here I am now dear,
You're my love,
I know dear
Promise me that you will
leave me never
I will love you longer than
forever
(Reprise)
Now that we are one
Clouds won't hide the sun
Blue skies of Hawaii will
smile
On this, our wedding day
I do love you with all my
heart
Kapanahunan na naman ng paglalambingan
At kasama kitang mamasyal sa kung saan
Kabilugan ng buwan at ang hangin ay may kalamigan
Aakapin kita mahal ko sa buong magdamag.
(Elvis Presley)
Pagmamahalan na naman ang mararanasan
Sa sariling mundong tayo lang ang may alam
Kabilugan ng buwan at ang hangin ay may kalamigan
Aakapin kita mahal ko sa buong magdamag.
Chorus:
Halina’t pakinggan ang awit na dala ng pag-ibig
Masaya ang mundo pag kapiling kitang ganito
Huwag kang hihiwalay at ang puso ko ay maligaya
Lapit na, o lapit pa.
Repeat 2nd Verse
Repeat Chorus
Repeat 1st verse
Aakapin kita, mahal ko, sa buong magdamag
Aakapin kita, mahal ko, sa buong magdamag.
Hawaiian Wedding
Song
Page 5
SECRETARY’S REPORT
By Sec. Norman A. Gluck – Club Secretary
We have been continuing our popular Vocational Programs and Job Training
at the 2nd floor at Parish Hall office at the Holy Rosary Parish Church in
downtown Angeles City starting with our recent Hospitality Training
Program (18), Entrepreneurship (24), Retail Sales & Marketing (21) and our
recent program this morning; H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach
Employment) and our ongoing Massage Therapy & Natural Medicine. (42)
These programs run every friday from 9am to 4pm.
TREASURER’S REPORT
By Treas. Mike D. Bautista – Club Treasurer
E
Page 10
Page 7
President’s
Corner
ATTENDANCE IS THE BEATING HEART OF ROTARY.
By Pres. Jess S. Talens
It's about Fellowship. If we don't attend meetings, we don't get to know each
other, we don't generate the needed Fellowship, and nothing gets done.
Really, it's not that difficult. We are leaders in our respective fields. We are
selected because we have a certain amount of executive control of our time
and resources. We have expertise and capabilities that the world needs. Just
schedule the meeting, plan for the conference, and show up.
ATTENDANCE
I want to share to you an article written by PP Jon of the Rotary
Club of Anchorage, Alaska.
Sure, we raise money, mostly by and through each other. But it's not about
our money attending a meeting in some club account or Evanston trust.
Piles of bank notes in a vault don't decide how to improve the world. Money
is simply a potential waiting for an idea to make it work. When money
gathers together it just "sits there" doing nothing until Rotarians attend
meetings, identify a need, design a matching grant, organize a community
service project, participate in an NID, or create a concept to improve the lot
of people who need it. Then those Rotarians get off the butts and DO
SOMETHING about it.
I have noticed an ebb and flow of discussion about Rotary's
attendance requirements. Some Rotarians do not like the
requirement that they must attend 60% of their club's annual
meetings per year. They want the rule changed. It bothers me.
It concerns me that Rotarians do not want to attend meetings. So,
if we do not attend meetings, do we just send our contributions in
as a "proxy" for our not showing up? Is that the intent of our
"Grand Mission?" I don't think so. Rather than summarize the pros
and cons, let's look at the intent of an attendance requirement.
Why is it important we attend meetings, functions and
conferences?
Rotary is about "World Peace and International Understanding
THROUGH FELLOWSHIP" That's it. That's our purpose.
Admittedly it's idealistic. But without idealism, how does anything
improve? Fellowship is the heart and soul of Rotary and leads to
our wonderfully productive philanthropy and good works ...
locally, regionally or internationally. Fellowship is the salve that
promotes our conviviality and makes our selfless contributions
possible. If we do not attend meetings, participate on committees,
or "show-up," none of what Rotary does is possible.
The intent is to avoid the inevitable process of people sending
checks/contributions in lieu of their physical presence and
participation. Rotary is participatory. Participation means
attendance ... and not just the passive, sit around and "have lunch"
kind of attendance. It means to actually DO something. If we do
not "show up," get involved and actively participate, we do not
engender and promote the essential Fellowship among ourselves:
especially among those with whom we are not likely to otherwise
know and spend time with, unless it's at a Rotary meeting,
conference or convention.
Page 8
E
Many of us are Paul Harris Fellows and/or multiple PHFs. We make grand
contributions of our personal treasure and resources. The generosity is often
humbling, and a true testimony to our love of our fellow man. But it's not the
only or even most important one .Contributions and donations of money, our
capital, alone is idle paper.
It takes the Fellowship and participation that comes from the attendance of
Rotarians (you and me) to combine those resources with our hearts, minds,
and sweat to make our combined contributions of treasure and time work.
Given the time and personal presence of Rotarians we will change the
world ... Indeed, we already have, and are continuing to do so.
The most important capital we invest is our time and personal participation,
our ATTENDANCE leads to our fellowship. THAT's what makes it happen.
THAT's how world peace and international understanding will occur and is
occurring. Attending a meeting 60% or more of the weeks in a year is easy!
Make up opportunities are numerous. But you must WANT to do it. If you
can't, or won't, show up then Rotary is not for you. But if you can and will
show up, then Rotary is for you and the world will be a better place because
of you.
That's my opinion. Take it or leave it.
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