It's been a very unusual Lunar New Year in Chiang Mai. Normally, the town is full of tourists from China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan -- not just Chinese people, but also expats who work in these countries and enjoy their annual New Year's holiday in Chiang Mai. Often we welcome Rotarians from the region to our meetings during the Lunar New Year. But this year has been different and very quiet, all because of travel restrictions and fear about the coronavirus.
Your faithful editor hasn't had a very quiet time, however, because she took on several projects this month outside of Rotary and fell behind in her plan to get this bulletin published near the first of the month. She's learned her lesson and apologizes for the bulletin being a couple of weeks late.
Meanwhile, the members of CMIRC continue with their projects and activities. Pour your favorite beverage and relax to enjoy our bulletin, below. You can better view each story by clicking on the story's title where you'll be taken to the story on our website, displayed in a full-page, easy-to-view format.
Well we’re off up and running for 2020! We supported Love is in the Air: Frank Sinatra Tribute, a fundraiser for the Warm Heart Foundation anti-smoke campaign at the Gymkhana Club on Saturday, February 1 and are in the process of re-establishing contact with the Gymkhana Club for possible future events.
We are also getting ready for our annual Children’s Charity Duck Race on February 22 at Centre of the Universe Pool and Resort; be sure to get a duck in this race! First prize: 20,000 Baht gift certificate; 2nd 10,000 Baht; 3rd 5,000 Baht!! Ducks are 500 Baht each and only 300 will race this year!
Our service projects continue to do great work under our mission to improve Child Safety, Health and Education in Northern Thailand. Be sure to check out the project champion reports below.
We have continued our wonderful relationship with the children at the Warm Heart Foundation and this year we will sponsor Nong Gai’s board for the entire year. Pictured right is P. John with Nong Gai and Warm Heart co-director Evelind Schecter.
Also, beyond our established club projects, CMIRC has taken on a coordinating role for two projects sponsored by the Thai Thaim Foundation and the Gfeller Family Farm Foundation of Park Rapids, Minnesota, USA. CMIRC Rotarian Craig Clark and his wife Ann Gfeller Clark visited us in January and shared the wonderful news of progress at the Roi Et Province water project under the supervision of CMIRC Rotarian Dr. Narong.
Also, the Hoapai Holistic Community Development Project focused on sustainable agriculture for a Red Lahu village in Mae Hong Song Province. This will be led by soon-to-be CMIRC Rotarian Niwatchai. Avocados, coffee, tea, and honeybees will replace the environmentally harmful corn plantations there. Rtn. Craig and Ann are both true examples of the Rotary motto: Service Above Self!!
Within the club we continue to have a very active membership, currently twenty-five active members and two honorary members. We will be adding at least one new member in mid-February, so our numbers continue to grow.
There were some leadership changes in January: Rtn. Mike Gholson has stepped down as President Nominee and Youth Director but will remain as the adviser for our Chiang Mai International School Interact Club. Rtn. Mike will be replaced as President Nominee by Rtn. and Service Projects Chair Dylan Thomason. Rtn. William Churchill will take on the role of Youth Programs Director while remaining as our Liaison with the Rotaract Club of Payap University.
I’d like to add another word of thanks to the message this month for Tony at Yummy Pizza in Mae Hia. Tony has allowed us to advertise and promote CMIRC and Rotary events on his well-attended Wednesday music evenings! It's good food and good music at Yummy Pizza on Wednesday evenings starting around 7pm!
This month's bulletin is a couple weeks late due to other commitments of the editor, so that permits me to pass along some late-breaking news. We learned that the club's nominee, Avis Rideout of the Agape Home in Chiang Mai, was named as a top 11 semi-finalist of THE ONE International Humanitarian Award 2020, sponsored by Rotary District 3450, Hong Kong. Very well-deserved recognition for her work. The winner receives U.S.$100,000 and each of the two runners-up receive U.S.$50,000. Two years ago our CMIRC nominee Kanchana Thornton of Burma Children Medical Fundwas a runner up and received U.S.$50,000. Let's hope that Avis has similar (or better) recognition.
Thank you to PP. Jerry and Rtn. Tabatha who contributed greatly to this effort with special thanks to visiting Rtn. Wessel Veenstra from the Rotary Club of Franeker, Netherlands, who initially suggested and actively advocated that CMIRC nominate Avis for her lifelong work with children suffering from the AIDS-HIV epidemic.
Finally, if you are excited about supporting meaningful service in a part of the world where children still have many unmet basic needs, contact me and I will tell you how you can join us or support us in our efforts to improve Child Safety, Health and Education in Northern Thailand:johnschorr@hotmail.com , CMIRC President and Membership Chair 2019-2020.
On Saturday, 22 February, CMIRC will celebrate the 6th anniversary of receiving its charter with a Children's Charity Duck Race and hor d'oeuvres buffet at the Real Centre of the Universe Swimming Pool & Resort in Chiang Mai. As in the past, when we've celebrated our "birthday" with golf ball drops and a duck dive, we expect stiff competition as rubber ducks "owned" by people from all over the globe race in heats on the Olympic-sized pool to determine who will win valuable gift vouchers. Winners do not need to be present, but everyone who is will enjoy a fabulous hor d'oeuvres buffet catered by The Duke's Restaurant. Ducks are 500 baht each and entry to the event to watch the race and enjoy the buffet is an additional 500 baht/person. To "purchase" your duck or entry ticket, please contact Event@cmirotary.orgor order online viaTicket Melon.
Come this Saturday, 22 February at 6 pm to watch your ducks race for valuable vouchers to the merchant of your choice and stay for the fun celebration of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club's sixth birthday. We've come a long way in six years!
The Centre of the Universe is a beautiful resort and the staff of The Duke's Restaurant is preparing a delicious hor d'oeuvres buffet for us. Knowing Duke's, there will be enough for a meal and your sweet tooth or vegan needs won't be overlooked. There will be wine, beer and soft drinks available from Philip and his crew at the Centre of the Universe. Tickets for this buffet are 500 baht (children half price) and are available from events@cmirotary.org or by calling 094 856 3011 for a reservation. Tickets will be sold at the CM Expats Club Breakfast at River Market Restaurant Friday morning and their General Meeting at Lanna Palace Hotel on Saturday morning. And you can buy tickets at the gate, as well.
The night will be capped with a couple of splendid raffles, organized by Rtn. Sally with fabulous prizes. Bring money, because there isn't an ATM machine nearby. Here are just some of the raffle prizes -- maybe more to come:
Phra Singh Village: One night stay in a Superior Twin with Buffet Breakfast for Two people, worth 2520 baht
Chiva Care: 10 vouchers for 2 separate vouchers for Cognitive Test, 2 separate vouchers for Basic Physical Therapy Health Check Up and 5 separate vouchers for your choice of therapy, each worth 500 baht.
Chiang Mai Holistic: 1 month's membership to go to any or all of their courses in one month, 2000 baht
Tickets for 2 people for the Gate Theater production of 'Harvey' (any performance) 27 Feb - 1 March, 800 baht
To start the new year, we recognized students who have completed our Children’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention courses over the past six months. This year we had a ceremony for 110 - 4th graders at the Ban Chaeng Khu Ruang Elementary School in Phrao and a ceremony for 151 - 4th graders at the Wat Pha Paeng School in Chiang Mai. A total of 261 children in six months at our programs in Chiang Mai Province alone. This year we will approach 2,500 children taught survival swimming and water safety in the four years we have been in operation nationwide!!
Swiss Lanna Society
Our Chiang Mai Program has been fully funded by the Swiss Lanna Society Chiang Mai for the first 6 months of this year! They came out in force for the certificate ceremony for the 151 children on January 30 at the Wat Pha Pang School. The children came to the assembly from six Chiang Mai municipal schools to receive their Rotary course completion certificates, a Rotary Medal, a red Swiss cap, and a Swiss flag pin! Usually the medals are the biggest hit, but this time the Swiss hats won the popularity contest with the kids!!
In addition to Swiss Lanna Society (SLS) President Eveline Willi and Swiss Honorary Consul Marc Dumur there were six other SLS members present to help with the awards and from the Chiang Mai Municipality, Mr. Soontorn Yamsiri, Deputy Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality and Mr. Suraphon Phububpha, Deputy Municipal Clerk of Chiang Mai Municipality. We really appppreciate all the support our CSWDPP has received from the highest officials in the Chiang Mai Municipality.
At the end, it was back to their home schools in the typical truck transportation in Chiang Mai. No yellow school buses here.
The British Comunity in Thmailand Foundation for the Needy (BCTFN) – CMIRC Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program in Phrao is completed for this school year. We awarded certificates to the 110 BCTFN-funded 4th-graders on Monday, January 20th, in Phrao. I was joined by local BCTFN representative Ian Bushell and our local coordinators from the Warm Heart Foundation, Evelind Schecter and Khun Niam.
Ian gave a short speech and the children loved the recognition they received. As usual at these events, school administrators, teachers and staff joined in the celebration of the children’s accomplishments.
At that time, We were in the process of applying to BCTFN for a renewal of the full-sponsorship grant for this program for this year. With this bulletin being late, we just learned that BCTFN just approved our application and the program in Phrao will continue for another school year.
CMIRC-BanYa Migrant Learning Centre Program in Phuket Province
More great news to begin 2020, Visiting Rotarian Bob Ashley from Rotary Club of Summit County, Colorado, USA has very generously offered to fully fund a new program at the BanYa Migrant Learning Centre in Phuket Province. We are planning to begin the program in May of this year for fifty 4th graders living in the migrant community. This will be the first CWSDP Program to operate in Phuket Province under the auspices of CMIRC. It was initially funded by an Australian AID Grant.
Safe Child Thailand has been our most significant non-CMIRC program sponsor. We have been working with them for the past three years and hope to continue our collaboration in the future. There has been a significant change in the program staff at the U.K. headquarters of the Safe Child Foundation. We have recently submitted reports summarizing our past successes and lessons learned and we hope to be sharing some significant new plans with them later this spring.
Beginning the new calendar year, CMIRC members made three visits to the Burma Children Medical Fund's B.K. House that were enjoyable to patients, family members, staff as well as Rotarian volunteers.
Playing BINGO for prizes has become a popular activity as well as painting figurines (right). The House also benefited from a visit by members of the Rotaract Club of Hong Kong Island East who came out and painted the BCMF logo (shown above, left) on the outer walls as well as other parts of the facility that needed some sprucing up. Fortunately, they came early in January before the travel concerns about coronavirus.
One story of interest is that two of the older residents during the month discovered they had known of each other when they were considerably younger. During this past Sunday’s visit, I was able to get the story from of the two residents. He grew up in the town of Kay Pu, in Burma. During 1956 due to political turmoil related to the Korean Revolution many people fled for safety to Kay Pu. One of those people was a young boy, who came with his family and settled in Kay Pu. This boy's mother began a school in the town. The other boy was at the time was 7 year old and was attending a school for younger children. His older brother however was of age that allowed him to attend this school that the older boy's mother founded. Although the boys were not friends and hung out together as children they still had a family connection through the older brother.
Fast forward over 60 years later and both ended up at the B. K. Kee Patient House. Over the course of several days and through many conversations about their past, they realized that they had a shared history. Although their reunion was under adverse circumstances, they each were very grateful that their paths crossed and they were able to share stories and memories of their loved ones during their time at the B.K. Kee House.
On the most recent visit we were honored to have Kanchana Thornton, Director of Burma Children Medical Fund join us on our visit, along with a few members of her staff. It was an opportune time for her visit as it coincides with the transition of Rotary Project Champion for the Patient House. PP Jerry Nelson, outgoing Project Champion Maliwan and myself were able to spend some time talking about various needs of the facility and how CMIRC can best support the Patient House. We have developed a wish list of projects and resources that are needed for the continued success of the B. K. Kee Patient House and for its parent organization, the Burma Children Medical Fund.
I want to personally thank Maliwan and Jerry for their valuable assistance with the transition as well as fellow Rotarians: Gordona, Moshe, Raphael and Sally for coming out on recent visits and making generous contributions. If anyone is interested in joining us on future outings, we meet at the Shell gas station on Huay Kaew Rd every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.
Every Saturday, our Interact club members from Chiang Mai International School visit the Northern School for the Blind and interact with students there. We spend time together with activities such as clay making, Chinese whispers, reading English and Thai books, singing contests and much more. Our core mission in this service project is to mentor children and learn together in this diverse community. We focus on developing a healthy community where the volunteers are able to partner up with students and guide them through a joyful and educational time.
January provided new opportunities for the club. We look forward to the new leadership/members as the club continues with its growth and development. Dayton Estes was named as the interim President as current President Dylan Low pursues a study abroad exchange program in Taiwan.
The club met on January 13th to welcome new CMIRC liaison Margaret O’Driscoll. Regretfully, Rotarian O’Driscoll advised that she could not accept the position at this time and Rotarian William Churchill will continue as the liaison until a new liaison is in place.
Club members Dayton Estes, Bow Arnprayoon and Amy Kim served as part of the volunteer team for Payap University's non-profit International Day festival event event on-campus on January 23rd.
A membership drive is in the development stages that will focus on first and second year students at Payap University.
The Mae Tao Clinic/Child Protection Department/Child Development Center is the oldest project of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. Those interested in the history are invited to read past bulletins and our running story on our website. Also, please visit Mae Tao Clinic’s www.maetaoclinic.org
January Tour: Rotarians and their families from three clubs from three continents assembled and went to Mae Tao Clinic for the 1 – 3 January Tour. It was great. The first evening we shared a meal at Khao Mao Khao Fang. In fact, due to being in town over the New Years holiday when many places were closed, we ended up having dinner together there two nights in a row. We all agreed, if you must have dinner at the same place two nights in a row, this would be the place.
On Thursday morning we visited CPPCR where we learned about some of the most important Child Protection activities in the area. At this point the believe that approximately 70% of child abuse cases are reported, an improvement over past years. People renting and drugging babies for begging on the border is still an issue. We are reminded not to give to these beggars, no matter how desperate they appear.
We also visited the office of Burma Operations & Ethnic Health System Strengthening Group (EHSSG) and learned about Mae Tao Clinic’s activities inside Myanmar. MTC is one of the primary members of EHSSG. Currently they serve a target population of approximately 837,000 at 296 service sites in 3,463 villages and 64 townships. Last year’s case load was over 288,000. Their challenges include an unsustainable peace in an unstable political situation. Funding is largely not secured, and their health workers are not recognized or accredited in Burma. Still, they do amazing work! On the near horizon for them will be Management Intern Training. More news about that as it develops.
President Elect Jan Pieter Brinkman had an opportunity to present a gift from the Hilversun International Rotary Club to Dr. Cynthia, founder and director of the MTC (right). It is the beginning of what we hope to be a long and beneficial relationship. His club met on 20 January and has decided to further support the Mae Tao Clinic. They are actively looking for an eye doctor who may be able to work at the clinic and they are coordinating with the International School of Hilversun about the possibility of sending students to the CDC.
Dr. Cassim, our Rock Star Tour Guide (left, in front of the Patient House), is such a blessing. He does an amazing job of telling the group the story of the clinic. I’ve been coming to the clinic for over six years and every time I’m with Dr. Cassim I learn something new! Along the way we learned that the immunizations given at Mae Tao Clinic are provided by the Royal Thai Government, and we were reminded that there are three diseases which can manifest almost any symptom. Fans of the TV show "House, M.D." will be aware of sarcoidosis. The other two are systemic lupus erythematosus and tuberculosis.
We were also reminded that when the clinic started there were three main areas of focus: landmine victims, malaria and maternal child health care. Today the clinic has evolved to include health care, training, child protection/education and community outreach. The prosthetics lab whose primary purpose is to support land mine victims will soon move to Myanmar. He made a point of telling us that the Patient House is his favorite feature of the clinic, allowing patients and their families to have a place to stay during treatment.
Shortly after returning to Chiang Mai, I received an email from Dr. Cassim telling me he has decided to seek membership in Rotary when he returns to his homeland later this year. This is a great credit to the Rotarians who have visited MTC!
Conclusions about support going forward will be reported in the next bulletin. Stay Tuned.
March Tour: The tentative schedule is:
Wednesday 4 March: Travel to Mae Sot
Thursday 5 March: Tour and receive briefings
Friday 6 March morning: Tour and receive briefings
6 March afternoon/evening: Travel to Chiang Mai, or other home location
June Tour: The tentative schedule is:
Wednesday 3 June: Travel to Mae Sot
Thursday 4 June: Tour and receive briefings
Friday 5 June morning: Tour and receive briefings
Friday 5 June afternoon/evening Travel to Chiang Mai, or other home location
The tour dates for March and June are agreed upon, but it’s too early to have any details. Interested parties are invited to contact me as soon as possible. The October and January tours were at capacity. (January tour group pictured below, with CDC students) Ideal tour size is eight people in the van from Chiang Mai, plus those who travel independently from Bangkok and other locations.
Millions of people all over the world are currently displaced by armed conflict or persecution. In fact, 90% of casualties in armed conflicts are civilians, half of whom are children. Through service projects and Rotary programs, the Rotary family is committed to pursuing projects that address the structural causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Conflict and violence displaced more than 68 million people in the past year, and half of those are children.
Rotarians train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict, and aid refugees who have fled dangerous areas. During February we’re celebrating our commitment to build peace and mitigate conflict.
Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and equip communities with skills to resolve conflicts. During February, Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, we will build peace and mitigate conflict by:
Incorporating conflict resolution and mediation strategies into service projects involving local schools, orphanages, workplaces, and community centers.
Supporting marginalized groups in risk of violence or persecution by providing relief to those who have fled areas of conflict.
Participating in fellowship and service activities with Rotary clubs in other parts of the world to promote greater international understanding.
Recruiting candidates for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. Up to one hundred peace fellowships are offered annually at Rotary Peace Centers at universities around the world.
23 February 1905, Rotary founder Paul Harris (left) formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. On 23 February 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting.
Harris’ desire for camaraderie among business associates brought together these four men and eventually led to an international organization of service and fellowship.
Each of the first four Rotarians, and Harry L. Ruggles, who is often called the “fifth Rotarian,” brought different professional perspectives to the organization.
Rotary’s founder, Harris, was born in Racine, Wisconsin, USA, on 19 April 1868. He was raised by his paternal grandparents in Vermont and attended the University of Vermont, Princeton, and the University of Iowa. Harris, a lawyer, was Rotary president from 1910 to 1912 and a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago until his death on 27 January 1947.
Loehr, a mining engineer, was born on 18 October 1864 in Carlinville, Illinois, USA. He was a Rotarian for only a few years, never holding office at the club or international level. But that first Rotary meeting was held in his office, Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. He died in Chicago on 23 May 1918.
Shorey, a merchant tailor, served as recording secretary during the club’s first year. He was a Rotarian for only a few years, too. He was born in Maine, USA, in August 1862 and died in March 1944.
Schiele, a coal dealer, served as the Chicago club’s first president in 1905 and Rotary International’s treasurer from July to December 1945. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, USA, in June 1870, Schiele attended Terre Haute Business College and served in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War. He was president of the Schiele Coal Company from 1902 until his retirement in 1939. He and Harris became lifelong friends and lived near each other on the South Side of Chicago. Schiele died on 17 December 1945 and is buried near Harris at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Originally from Michigan, Ruggles (right) was a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and joined Rotary at its second meeting. He was treasurer of the Chicago club during its first year, club president from 1908 to 1910, and a Rotary director from 1912 to 1913. He is known for having introduced singing to Rotary club meetings. His printing company, H.L. Ruggles & Co., printed the first issue of The National Rotarian and the first Rotary songbook. He died on 23 October 1959, an honorary member of seven clubs in addition to his home club, the Rotary Club of Chicago.
When the Rotary Club of Chicago published their member roster in October 1905, the club had grown to 21 members, including two honorary members.
Since then, Rotary has grown to over 33,000 clubs with over 1.2 million members and continued its commitment to service by providing clean water, improving maternal health, awarding scholarships, fighting diseases, and improving lives around the world.
The regular every Sunday morning visits by club members to the patients and their families at the BCMF B.K. Kee Patient House here in Chiang Mai.
The first two weeks in December, on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, club members participated in the English Language Cultural Club at the BEAM Educational Foundation.
On the first and third Fridays of the month club members attended the Chiang Mai Expats Club meetings where full Owl Banks were exchanged for empty Change for Children Owl Banks and encouraged adoption of ducks for the CMIRC Children's Charity Duck Race.
Tuesday, January 21, we had our regular club meeting at the Royal Peninsula Hotel, where Amy McConnel Franklin, PhD, MPH, Med presented on the topic "Social and Emotional Learning in Formal and Informal Educational Settings".
Thursday, January 30, the Children's Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program (CWS&DPP) graduation ceremony was conducted at Wat Pa Paeng School with the Swiss Lanna Society, sponsors of this group of students.
Friday, January 31, we had our last Friday in the month “Let’s Talk Rotary” get together at Bella Goose Cafe.
For a complete and up-to-date list of events, check our online calendar.
Here are just a few of the important dates for members of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club (CMIRC). These are opportunities to meet some of us and to meet other Rotarians from around the world!
Every Sunday at 10:30 am, regular visit by club members to Burma Children Medical Fund's (BCMF) B. K. Kee Patient House. Interested? Contact Rotarian Bill Pierce.
3 March 2019 - Regular club meeting, 7 pm at the Royal Peninsula Hotel. The program will be presented by Janet Kirwin of Hairaid"Supporting Women's Employment by Hairdressing Training". Gather at 5:45 pm for fellowship and an optional dinner; order from the menu of Thai food at the hotel.
5 – 6 March 2019 - Tour of Mae Tao Clinic contact Jerry Nelson
14 – 15 March 2020 District 3360 Conference, Lampang
31 March 2020 - CMIRC Social Meeting contact John Schorr
4 – 5 June 2019 - Tour of Mae Tao Clinic contact Jerry Nelson
06 – 10 June 2020 - Rotary International Convention,Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
27 June 2020 - District Governor's Salute, Chiang Rai.
30 June 2020 - CMIRC Social Meeting/Changing of the Guard Party contact John Schorr
Posted by Jerry Nelson and Nancy Lindley on Feb 18, 2020
Rotary is not free; we give our hearts, we give our time and to some extent we give our money. Most of our heart, most of our time and most of our money goes to support our children’s projects. Yet we have operational expenses, for example, our website with its powerful tools such as this bulletin. We ask that you consider our sponsors for your needs.
Pern's Restaurant, a Mediterranean restaurant on Huey Kaew Road, near Central Kad Suan Kaew mall, is located across from the Shell Petrol station. Brian Pern and his friendly staff (including the legendary Mickey) create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for diners to enjoy steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta and vegetarian offerings. There are nightly specials and half-price house wine on Wednesdays. Most Wednesday and Sunday evenings you can enjoy smooth jazz while dining. First time diners receive a free glass of house wine when they reserve through Pern's website. Book here.
Fashion King is the best tailor in Chiang Mai. They have been in the same shop for over 12 years and receive the highest ratings from Trip Advisor and others. They feature authentic craftsmanship, superior materials and a great value! Their success is measured in customer satisfaction. The owners, Frank and Vanita will personally guide you through the entire process: design, material selection, fitting and delivery. CMIRC members -- this is the place to order a custom-made CMIRC dress-shirt or have a CMIRC emblem embroidered on your casual polo shirt. Frank and Vanita are the sponsors of the famous Chiang Mai fundraising event called “Bollywood Night”. They do a lot to give back to their community, helping the underprivileged in and around Chiang Mai.
The Lila Thai Massage Ex-Inmate Employment and Skill Development Center was established in 2014 by "Naowarat Thanasrisutharat" to help and support women being released from prison. The ladies receive a massage training course from certified massage instructors (ex-inmates who work for Lila Thai Massage); these programs are endorsed by and meet the requirements of the Chiang Mai Public Health Department. This project reduces the women conviction rates in Chiang Mai and helps to solve the societal problems that perpetuate the situation, bringing about our long-cherished dream for a better community. The quality of massage at Lila Thai Massage is consistently superb.
Royal Peninsula Hotel is an excellent international standard hotel located in the heart of Chiang Mai. They have 150 guest rooms with all amenities including free wi-fi. There is ample onsite, covered parking. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi are available to guests. There is both an indoor restaurant, featuring Thai cuisine and outdoor beer garden next to the swimming pool. The Royal Peninsula Hotel has two conference and banquet rooms, well decorated, with good acoustics. The staff at Royal Peninsula are very accommodating. The Chiang Mai International Rotary Club meets at the Royal Peninsula at 7:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, with many members and guests gathering about an hour before the meeting in the hotel's restaurant for fellowship and an optional meal, ordering from the restaurant's menu of reasonably-priced Thai food.
Our sponsors donate money that supports our operational expenses, freeing funds for the projects we love. Please give them your support.
Our service projects continue to do great work under our mission to improve Child Safety, Health and Education in Northern Thailand. Be sure to check out the project champion reports below. 
This month's bulletin is a couple weeks late due to other commitments of the editor, so that permits me to pass along some late-breaking news. We learned that the club's nominee, Avis Rideout of the 
Come this Saturday, 22 February at 6 pm to watch your ducks race for valuable vouchers to the merchant of your choice and stay for the fun celebration of Chiang Mai International Rotary Club's sixth birthday. We've come a long way in six years!
The children came to the assembly from six Chiang Mai municipal schools to receive their Rotary course completion certificates, a Rotary Medal, a red Swiss cap, and a Swiss flag pin! Usually the medals are the biggest hit, but this time the Swiss hats won the popularity contest with the kids!! 
At the end, it was back to their home schools in the typical truck transportation in Chiang Mai. No yellow school buses here. 
The British Comunity in Thmailand Foundation for the Needy (BCTFN) – CMIRC Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program in Phrao is completed for this school year. We awarded certificates to the 110 BCTFN-funded 4th-graders on Monday, January 20th, in Phrao. 
I was joined by local BCTFN representative Ian Bushell and our local coordinators from the 
Safe Child Thailand has been our most significant non-CMIRC program sponsor. We have been working with them for the past three years and hope to continue our collaboration in the future. There has been a significant change in the program staff at the U.K. headquarters of the Safe Child Foundation. We have recently submitted reports summarizing our past successes and lessons learned and we hope to be sharing some significant new plans with them later this spring.
Playing BINGO for prizes has become a popular activity as well as painting figurines (right). The House also benefited from a visit by members of the 
Burma. During 1956 due to political turmoil related to the Korean Revolution many people fled for safety to Kay Pu. One of those people was a young boy, who came with his family and settled in Kay Pu. This boy's mother began a school in the town. The other boy was at the time was 7 year old and was attending a school for younger children. His older brother however was of age that allowed him to attend this school that the older boy's mother founded. Although the boys were not friends and hung out together as children they still had a family connection through the older brother. 
President Elect Jan Pieter Brinkman had an opportunity to present a gift from the 
Dr. Cassim, our Rock Star Tour Guide (left, in front of the Patient House), is such a blessing. He does an amazing job of telling the group the story of the clinic. I’ve been coming to the clinic for over six years and every time I’m with Dr. Cassim I learn something new! Along the way we learned that the immunizations given at Mae Tao Clinic are provided by the Royal Thai Government, and we were reminded that there are three diseases which can manifest almost any symptom. Fans of the TV show "House, M.D." will be aware of sarcoidosis. The other two are systemic lupus erythematosus and tuberculosis. 
23 February 1905, Rotary founder Paul Harris (left) formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. On 23 February 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting.
Originally from Michigan, Ruggles (right) was a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and joined Rotary at its second meeting. He was treasurer of the Chicago club during its first year, club president from 1908 to 1910, and a Rotary director from 1912 to 1913. He is known for having introduced singing to Rotary club meetings. His printing company, H.L. Ruggles & Co., printed the first issue of The National Rotarian and the first Rotary songbook. He died on 23 October 1959, an honorary member of seven clubs in addition to his home club, the Rotary Club of Chicago.
On the first and third Fridays of the month club members attended the 
Thursday, January 30, the Children's Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program (CWS&DPP) graduation ceremony was conducted at Wat Pa Paeng School with the 
22 February 2020 – 
