Special Thank You to Rotarian David Reid and Rotarian Mark Macfee for providing printed copies of the weekly newsletter for members and guests to read at the tables.
Please feel free to take a copy with you after the meeting.
JOIN THE FIGHT
More than one million Rotarians worldwide have contributed to the success of the polio eradication effort.
With over 200 readers weekly (Rotarians and Friends of Rotary) why not consider posting your logo and web link within our newsletter. Your sponsorship will not only help Rotary Sunrise but your business will get exposure to grow your clientelle. Contact info@rotarysunrise.ky to learn more about advertising with Rotary Sunrise.
February is
World Understanding Month
Rotary Showcase - World Understanding
Submitted by Director Gina, Communications
The month of February is very special in the Rotary calendar since it is designated World Understanding Month. The month also includes the anniversary of the first meeting of Rotary held on February 23, 1905, now designated World Understanding and Peace Day. World Understanding Month is a chance for every club across the world to pause, plan and promote the Fourth Avenue of Service-Rotary’s continued quest for goodwill, peace and understanding among people of the world.
All clubs have varied and worthwhile service projects, in fact there are over 4,000 projects posted on the Rotary Showcase site. That is why I invite you to have look at just some of them so you can appreciate how other Rotarians are improving lives in communities around the world every day.
Lighting Villages in Honduras
Rotarians from Tennessee have been working with the Rotary Club of Choluteca, Honduras for over a decade to provide services in remote villages in the region. Although this was initially a water project, it became necessary to bring power into the villages to run pumps and other equipment. The project team quickly discovered that having power in the village was perceived by the villagers to be of much greater benefit, therefore a decision was made to shift emphasis to electrification. A fee system and support from the Honduran Electrical Authority ensures sustainability. Clubs from District 6760 made cash contributions to the project.
Donation of Eyeglasses
Within the Philipines, donation of eyeglasses to poorly sighted identified pupils of public elementary school children from Grades 4 to 6 who belong to families below poverty line. The pupils will be refracted and provided eyeglasses according to the eye reading taken during the examination. Other defects will be treated at club expense. There are 3 Opthalmologist during the refraction. Two weeks after, will be the hand over of eyeglasses.
Epiphany Day Solidarity Fund Raiser
On 12th January 2014 at 5PM on the Monastery St.Francis, in Santarém, Portugal, helds the Epiphany Classic Music Concert, was organized by Rotary C. Santarém and Rotarians wives of Friendship House. The funds raised after paying all common costs of this type of events was in favor of funding educational and pedagogical projects for the 3 Homes for Children and Youth of this City, namely Saint António ladies Home, Sister Andaluz Home and Boys Home of the Holy House of Mercy from Santarém. The 3 institutions collaborated in the organization and promotion of the event and in selling part of tickets. A successful partnership as the concert was completely booked and a total amount raised of $3.500 USD will be double by the sponsorship of Portuguese Rotary Foundation.The program included pieces from Handel, Reger, Gounoud, Rossini Schubert, Holst and Adams. The 2 soloists were soprano Helia Castro and the best known Portuguese Tenor Carlos Guilherme, 10 musicians and a 30 voices chorus.
And there are lots more... I encourage you to browser through just a few to have a sense of all the good we fellow Rotarians are doing in the world. Click here to visit the Rotary Showcase website.
This Week's Meeting: Mr. Richard Lewis - TRIO Board Member
Topic: The Rock International Open - International Kite-Board Competition
TRIO is hosting an International Kite competition on 12-16th of February this year and the buzz around the event is now getting very exciting.
We have some very big names in the kiting world and about 40 athletes showing up from all parts of the world to compete in the three events.
TRIO (The Rock International Open) are looking for some general support in terms of marshaling and perhaps assistance with some of the athletes - we are also still actively seeking sponsors and partners and concessions from local businesses.
Cayman’s first annual kitesurfing competition is set to put the Cayman Islands on the map when it comes to top kitesurfing locations around the world. Featuring three separate events - Freestyle, Big Air and Racing - TRIO will put competitors through their paces.
Okay, this week's article is aimed squarely at the portion of our members who are over the age of 50. So all of you youngsters in your 30s and 40s are officially excused from reading further.
Remember last meeting when Sergeant Jonathan noted that the cover of the February 2014 Rotarian magazine featured a basketball jersey? (I know. I'm talking to the over-50 crowd and you've likely slept since then. Just trust me that it happened.)
I piped up that it was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's jersey, but I hadn't actually read the article. So, of course I had to look up the text. I'd never heard that he was a Rotarian. (Do we even have a vocational classification for sports superstars??) And of course, he hasn't played professional basketball for decades. (Oh goodness, am I really old enough to make those kinds of proclamations??) I couldn't imagine how or why his jersey was on the cover of the RI magazine next to the headline: "Only the number is retired."
Well, the article was entitled "Three Rules of Retirement" and it seems that Kareem has been retired for the past quarter-century and therefore knows a few things about maximizing one's retirement years. (See? I told you 30- and 40-somethings to quit reading this.) And it seems that with 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every DAY, it might behoove the over 50 crowd to take note.
Rule 1: Don't think of it as retirement.
Kareem says the word retirement is "loaded with a load of crap" because it's really just another transitional stage. Don't let retirement affect your attitude. Just look at it as an opportunity to take on new roles. Consider our club's Treasurer, Dr. John Lee (who is definitely under 50 and therefore not reading this text). Rotary Sunrise offers lots of opportunities for you to stretch your limits and take on new challenges. Doing something different keeps you fresh and energizes your life. Being a Sunriser makes Rule #1 easy.
Rule 2: Go from being a success to being significant.
Here's where he's preaching to the choir when it comes to Rotarians. Most of the "retired" Rotarians whom I know are busier now than they were when they were employed. (PP Andrea immediately comes to mind!) So, as a Sunriser, you very likely have Rule #2 covered.
Rule 3: People who need people are the luckiest people.
If you have never heard that Barbara Streisand song, you're definitely not over 50. But Kareem's point is that you become marginalized and isolated unless you make an effort to maintain relationships and meet new people. Our weekly club meetings and our numerous youth, community, literacy, and international projects make Rule #3 a slam dunk for Rotary Sunrisers.
See what a great choice you made by becoming a Rotarian? And you probably didn't even realize at the time that joining Rotary Sunrise is a key factor in wise retirement planning.
Hearts and Home Runs, anyone? Let's show those young whipper-snappers a thing or two...
Discover the World of Rotary
Submitted by VP/Director Christine Mathews, Membership Committee
Thursday 13th February at 6:30 pm at the home of VP Christine and Rotarian Geoff Mathews. This will serve as the orientation evening for those red badgers that need to check this task off their list of things to do to achieve their blue badge. It will be an opportunity for potential members to learn more about Sunrise and Rotary and it will be an occasion for blue badge members to have some fellowship and get to know our newer members a bit better.
This evening will also see the debut of one of the new training tools the Club is using to help members learn more about Sunrise, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Everyone is guaranteed to learn one new fact!
Attendees are being asked to bring a dish or some liquid refreshments.
Please contact VP Christine either by email at chrisand@candw.ky or by calling 916 2575 if you would like to attend.
ClubRunner Training - Sign Up Today
Submitted by Communications Director Gina
Session 1 - Thursday, February 6 at 6pm
Session 2 - Saturday, February 15 at 10am
Participants will need to bring a laptop, tablet or other WiFi capable device for the interactive hour and a half training session. Both sessions will be geared to be both educational and entertaining. Please sign up from the email invitation sent out or send Director Gina an email with your preference to which session gina@rotarysunrise.ky. Both training sessions will be held at the A.L. Thompson's boardroom.
School Debates
Submitted by PP Woody
School debates challenge teams students to defend an opinion against the opposing team. On Wednesday, February 19th we will have our next round of debates. Rotarians are being asked to come out and support the debating teams but if you would like to provide more support PP Woody is looking for a time-keeper and judges.
Moot: Social Media is the main cause of youth violence and bullying
Proposer (Host school): Cayman Prep
Opposer: John Gray High School
Rotary Club Supporting: Sunrise
Proposer (Host school): St. Ignatius
Opposer: Cayman International
Rotary Club Supporting: Central
Let the debates begin!
The Power of Social Media
Submitted by Director Gina, Communications
If you have a social media account either with Facebook, Twitter, Lindedin, etc... you know how powerful communication can spread with a single post or tweet. That is why Rotary is encouaging more Rotarians to use these sources to get the word out about projects, events and simply share the good works Rotary does to change lives for the better.
When you are active on social media you are tuned in to what your friends, family and fellow Rotarians are up to. This keeps you connected and updated on what is happening in the lives of the people you care about. If you are not yet on Facebook I encourage you to set up an account today (it's free) and before long you will be "liking" posts before you know. Ask PP Gordon how its done as he is one of the most active Facebookers in our club (bet you didn't know that one)!
Here is a recent post DG Jeremy posted where President JD was tagged in the photo. This post by DG Jeremy would be seen by all his Facebook friends (and he has tonnes through the District).
Need to learn more about Facebook and how to get started? Come on out to the ClubRunner training this Thursday, February 6 as there will be a social media component included in the training.
Games! Games! Games!
For all you lovers of card and board games we are in the process of organizing an informal evening of fellowship and games.
It will be in a home and it will be a BYOB, BYFG (bring your favorite game) pot luck Saturday evening. Stay tuned to this space for more information.
District 7020 Conference Registration
Submitted by Director Gina McBryan, from District 7020 Correspondence
Have you registered yet? What are you waiting for?
Admission Items:
District 7020 Assembly & Conference Only
US$150
District 7020 PETS + Assembly & Conference
US$250
District 7020 PETS Only
US$150
District 7020 Partner Program
US$70
Session Items:
Friday, May 2 Cultural Night
US$75
Friday, May 2 District Awards Luncheon
US$40
Friday, May 2 New Rotarian's Breakfast
US$30
Saturday, May 3 Governor's Ball
US$125
Thursday, May 1 Luncheon with Grand Cayman Club Meeting
US$40
Thursday, May 1 Major Gifts Breakfast
US$30
Tuesday, April 29 Luncheon with Grand Cayman Central Club Meeting
US$40
Wednesday, April 30 Luncheon with Grand Cayman Sunrise Club Meeting
US$40
For more details click on the link embedded within your registration email from the District Conference Chairman.
Home Hospitality - Rotarian Hosts Needed
Submitted by Communications Director Gina McBryan in part by VP Frank Balderamos
Calling all Hosts and Hostesses...The District Conference needs your Hospitality! Rotarians are being asked to host a dinner for a small group of visiting Rotarians from the District Conference on the evening of Thursday, May 1. Many Sunrise Rotarians have already signed up in pairs to host an evening meal which will cater to about 6 to 8 couples. Historically the Home Hospitality events are very much regarded as truly memorable by the Rotarians who host and those who attend. Meet with other Rotarians across the District and share ideas about clubs, culture and backgrounds.
Submit your name to VP Frank if you wish to host an event at your home.
Rotary Sunrise - In The News
Submitted by Director Gina McBryan, Communications/PR
Rotary Sunrise has had a recent press release (courtesy of Rotarian Bina) published on the following sites. The press release relates to the recent young authors who won the local competition of the Butterfly e-Storybook project. As mentioned at last week's meeting, these winners will continue on to compete in the district for the top 10.
Submitted by VP Stephanie Rattan of Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman
The Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman will be hosting its 4th Annual Hearts & Homeruns Interclub Softball Tournament on Sunday 23rd February. This day if doubly special as it will also fall on Rotary Internationals anniversary.
On behalf of President Lauren, I would like to invite your club to participate in the day by joining your club's team for some friendly inter club competition. The cost is $15 per player and funds raised will go towards RCGC's club administration.
We encourage you to come out with your families and cheering squads, bring your softball equipment (if you have your own) and maybe even bring a cooler with your favourite beverages. There will be food on sale and an area for the kids to play. Of course there is the grand prize up for grabs as RCGC comes out to defend their title of CHAMPION!!! There is also a raffle so be sure to come prepared to purchase raffle tickets.
Make-ups: In addition to make-up opportunities at Sunrise you can make up at another Club in Grand Cayman. The meeting time and place of the other Clubs are: Rotaract Blue: Wednesdays at 6:00pm at XQ's Pizza Bar and Grill, West Bay Road Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman: Thursdays at 7:00am at Barnie's Coffee & Tea, GT Waterfront
Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Central: Tuesdays at 7:30pm at Grand Old House
Rotary Club of Grand Cayman: Thursdays at 12:30pm at The Westin
Rotary E-Club of the Caribbean 7020: Online meetings any time. Visit www.rotaryeclub7020.blogspot.com for more details. Make-up certificates will be provided promptly once you've completed the requirements.
Travelling: If you are going to be travelling for an extended period of time - more than two weeks be sure to let the Secretary know and remember to submit any make-ups you do in a timely manner.