President's Desk 18-02-13

From the President's Desk

Good Morning Rotarians and Friends of Rotary,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and happy and if you didn't make it to our Forum on Tuesday last that is such a shame. District Governor Sandra and Sam Doumany were our Guest Speakers and we were also joined by AG Michael Irving and Chris Lloyd at the wonderful Mary Pearse's home. Not to skite too much but Mary cooked up a beautiful lasagne with fresh salad and rolls for all of us. We received an email from Sandy later in the week, "Sam & I enjoyed last Tuesday night, and appreciated Mary's hospitality".

Sandy proudly announced details of the Disaster Appeal:

FLOODS $12,000 : A cheque has been sent to the DG Ken Kelly in D9570, with the specific request to be used at his discretion in the flood affected area of Bundaberg.  This is in accordance with wishes expressed by members who donated these funds.

BUSHFIRES $4000 : A cheque was sent via the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah to be directed towards the purchase of Hay for starving cattle in the Coonabarabran District where bushfires had destroyed pastures and properties.  Cattle would have had to be destroyed without ours and other donations.

BUSHFIRES $7700 : A cheque was sent to DG James Wilcox in D9830 with the specific request the funds to be used at his discretion in the severely affected areas in Tasmania.

Sandy also reminded us that the District Conference is only 8 weeks away, so please urge your e- Club Members to register now and book a room at The Royal Pines Resort.  It will be a great weekend with fellowship, great Guest Speakers and two wonderful nights to be enjoyed. http://www.rotary9640conference.org/ to book online.

Also my wife Ingrid has been asked to be the Official Photographer for the Event which she is very excited about so remember to smile. J

Sam spoke to us on The Cleft Palate Program and here are a few facts:

  • Cleft lip and/or palate are the most common facial birth defect, affecting one in 700 babies worldwide and one in 500 in Asia.
  • Cleft lip and palate defects can interfere with eating, speaking and breathing and can cause dental problems, ear infections and hearing loss.
  • A cleft lip can range from a notch in the upper lip to a larger split extending into the nose.
  • A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth ranging from a small malformation to a large separation of the palate.
  • Babies can be born with both a cleft lip and palate or just a cleft in one area.

Thank you to all the Members that logged in to our new format with Vice President Ian Yarker as Presenter and welcoming 'gotomeeting' host. President Elect Geoff gave us a brief rundown on what we are hoping to achieve in the future of the e-Club, so it was a full Forum and the spoilt ones wrapped up the evening with coffee and beautiful chocolates brought by Sandy and Sam. Awesome!

This week's Forum is Jenni Heenan PHF FFIA from Disaster Aid Australia; Jenni will be joining us at "The Shed" so please feel free to come too, if you wish. Sorry, no lovely meal but we can offer tea and coffee now. Nearly forgot and German lollies (thanks Kristen).

Yours in Rotary,

Rick Jewson

Charter President