Was Paul Harris the first president of a Rotary club? No. Was Paul Harris the first president of Rotary International? Yes.

 

There is an easy explanation to this apparent contradiction. Although Paul Harris was the founder and organizer of the first Rotary club in Chicago in 1905, the man selected to be the first president was one of the other founding members, Silvester Schiele. By the year 1910 there were 16 Rotary clubs, which linked up as an organization called the National Association of Rotary Clubs. A couple of years later the name was changed to International Association of Rotary Clubs as Rotary was organized in Winnipeg, Canada, and then in England, Ireland and Scotland. In 1922 the name was shortened to Rotary International. When the first organization of Rotary clubs was created in 1910, Paul Harris was selected as the first president. He served in this position for two years from 1910 until 1912. Thus, the founder of the Rotary idea, who declined to be president of the first club, became the first president of the worldwide organization, Rotary International.

 

 

The Rotary Foundation is funded in two different ways: the Annual Fund and the Endowment Fund. The primary source of unrestricted support for the programs of The Rotary Foundation, the Annual Fund supports programs in more than 200 geographical regions. From digging clean water
wells for villages in Africa to teaching basic literacy skills to children in Latin America. During any given moment in a day, thousands of Rotarians volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that all contributions given to the Annual Fund are spent wisely on quality Rotary projects. In the 2014/2015
Rotary year, US$123 million was donated to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund (Making history in Rotarian generosity). The Annual Fund is comprised of donations from Rotary Clubs, individual Rotarians and friends of Rotary, both individuals & corporations. 

 

Contributions each year are invested for the following two years (with the earnings utilised to fund the administration expenses of the Foundation) and are then released in full to fund Foundation programs. Under the Annual Fund - Share system, 50% of the funds flow into the World Fund and 50% is returned to the District as District Designated Funds (DDF) to support district and global grant projects involving district clubs.

We will highlight the latest example of support to our club via the Marine Reach project next week.

  
WON’T YOU SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND WITH A CENTURION  CONTRIBUTION OF $100 THIS YEAR?

First time Sergeant, Les Bulluss introduced himself noting that the last time he was sergeant was also at Broadbeach but instead of in Rotary, it was in his chosen career with the Queensland Police Service. Les extended President Bruce's apologies, noting that fishing on Fraser Island was only a temporary diversion, and advised that Vice-President Ray would be standing in tonight.

 

Neil Jones advised that this week is Senior Citizens' Week and highlighted the contribution they have made to our society. In proposing a toast to senior citizens Neil asked that those senior citizens in the room remain seated  and this left only five standing to join in the toast.  

 

Vice-President Ray welcomed all to the meeting and particularly our guests, Annie Cardoz and guest speaker, PDG Ross Smith.

Ray also advised that Cec McPaul was currently in isolation at Pindara Hospital and while not able to have visitors would welcome calls on his mobile.

Best wishes Cec for a speedy recovery.

 

The Silver Circle Draw was made by Nayer and the winner this week was Andrew McTaggart.

 

Harold Busch outlined developments during the last week surrounding  the granting of temporary use of the hub to the Australian Anti Ice Campaign and has provided the following summary of his address for inclusion in this bulletin:

 

This response considered appropriate in the circumstances and in the best interests of the community"

 

Several members raised questions for which Vice President Ray expressed thanks indicating that the matter would be fully discussed by the Board at a meeting already scheduled for next week.

 

 

Sergeant Les did a great job of fining all and sundry for what in most instances could only be described as minor misdemeanors and has set a precedent by posing questions regarding recent Rotary communications.  Bill Rex won the raffle and John Curr Heads and Tails.

 

Neil Jones introduced guest speaker, PDG Ross Smith highlighting not only his long and distinguished Rotary service, but also his service to education in Queensland who then gave us an enlightening address on his attendance as District 9640 delegate to the 2016 Council on Legislation (COL).

 

Key points from Ross' talk:

• Clubs are now allowed to vary their meeting times and whether to meet, online or in person, as long as they meet twice a month.
• More flexibility in membership rules and requirements. The previous six membership criteria are replaced with a simple requirement that a member be a person of good character who has a good reputation in their business or community and is willing to serve the community.
• An increase in per capita dues of $4 a year, each year, for the next 3 years. These funds are needed to enhance the Rotary website, improve online tools, and add programs and services to help Clubs increase membership.
• Rotaractors will be allowed to become members of Rotary Clubs while they are still in Rotaract
• The distinction between e-clubs and traditional clubs has been eliminated.
• New clubs need at least 20 members to be chartered.
• Any Rotarian who mishandles District finances is prohibited from holding any Rotary or District office until the irregularities are resolved
• A new Council on Resolutions will meet online to consider District resolutions annually so that the Council of Legislation can concentrate on any changes to the Constitution and By Laws every 3 years in Chicago.

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A woman was getting swamped with calls from strangers. A billing service had launched an 800 number that was identical to hers.
When she called to complain, she was told to get a new number. "I've had mine for twenty years," she pleaded. "Couldn't you change yours?"
The company refused, so she said, "Fine. From now on, I'm going to tell everyone who calls that their bill is paid in full."
The company got a new number the next day.
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While visiting Annapolis, a lady tourist noticed several students on their hands and knees assessing the courtyard with pencils and clipboards in hand.
"What are they doing?" she asked the tour guide.
"Each year," he replied with a grin, "the upperclassmen ask the freshmen how many bricks it took to finish paving this courtyard."
When they were out of earshot of the freshmen, the curious lady asked the guide: "So, what's the answer?"
The guide replied: "One."
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The rain was pouring down. And there standing in front of a big puddle outside the pub, was an old Irishman, drenched, holding a stick with a piece of string dangling in the water.A passer-by stopped and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Fishing" replied the old man....
Feeling sorry for the old man, the gent said, "Come in out of the rain and have a drink with me."
In the warmth of the pub, as they sip their whiskeys, the gentleman cannot resist asking, "So how many have you caught today?"
"You're the eighth" said the old man.
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I'm not the easiest guy in the world to get along with. So when our anniversary rolled around, I wanted my wife to know how much I appreciated her tolerating me for the past 20 years. I ordered flowers and told the florist to enclose a card that read, 'Thanks for putting up with me so long.'
When my wife got the delivery, she called me at work.
"Just where do you think you going?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" I said.
She read the card aloud as the florist had written it: "Thanks for putting up with me. So long."
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In California over the weekend, a woman gave birth in a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Apparently she did this in the New Releases section.
I thought you were going to say she gave birth in the C-section.
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Q: Why did the Pope cross the road?
A: He crosses everything.

Q: What's gray, has four legs and a trunk?
A: A mouse on vacation.

Q: What do you call a cow spying on another cow?
A: A steak out.

Q: What happened when the owl lost his voice?
A: He didn't give a hoot.