Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 16th March 2022

 THE RANGE"  Vol. 64 No.16

WEDNESDAY 16TH MARCH 2022

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Business Meeting with Guest Speakers Tim Bagshaw & Donna Hayes on Maleny Hydrotherapy.

APOLOGIES
Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                           16 Mar          6 Apr             20 Apr
Duty Officer        Jim A            Keith R          Chris B
Assist DO           Ric T            Jeff C             Fran T
Registration        Des C          Laurelle O      John McL
Fellowship          Bill H            Lionel T         Roly N

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
19 Mar    0730 - 1030  Rick V  Peter McQ  Keith R 

               1030 - 1330  Andy S  Malcolm B  Jim A   

16 Apr    0730 - 1030 John & Bernice McC  Fran T

               1030 - 1330  Roly N  Bill H  Lionel T    

 PRESIDENT'S NOTES
Our next meeting at the Maleny Hotel on 16 March  will be a Project/Business Meeting. Subject to any further changes and or the adverse impacts of Covid 19, continue logging in at the Maleny Hotel with your Qld App, but there is now no need to wear masks. We can all look forward to some good fellowship and updates from Directors on our various local and international projects. There will also be a joint presentation by Tim Bagshaw and Donna Hayes about the progress being made by Maleny Hydrotherapy towards the leasing of land, plus the construction and management of a new Hydrotherapy Centre at the Maleny Community Precinct.

- District 9620 Conference in Caloundra 18, 19 and 20 March:
Despite my many calls that the registration date was closing on 7 March, it is still possible to make a late registration for any of the Friday, Saturday or Sunday sessions of the inaugural District 9620 Conference to be held in beautiful Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast from 18th to 20th March. The countdown is really on with only 7 days until opening. I am hoping that as many Maleny Rotarians as possible are able to make the journey down the hill to celebrate the coming together of two great Districts and get to know fellow Rotarians and make new friends within our expanded District in a relaxed atmosphere. Here is the registration link: https://conference.rotary9620.org/#Registration.
Our club is also preparing a static type display for the House of Friendship with an emphasis on our Speak Up Now Stop Domestic & Family Violence & Elder Abuse plus the Maleny Selectors Green project.
If you would like to lend a hand in putting together our display, please give Bernice McL, Sherryl G or myself. I will be collecting and driving the displays down to the Conference on Friday next week to assist Bernice & John  McL with the setting up of the displays in place at 3 pm on 17th March.

- Rotary Youth Driver Education at Corbould Park Caloundra for 2022:
Some great news from Paulette S and Fran T following their attendance at a RYDA Caloundra meeting on 2nd March incorporating Caloundra, Caloundra Pacific, Glasshouse Country and Maleny Rotary Clubs. For the 2022 year, there will be 10 program days with 14 high schools attending at Corbould Park. It will be held in the 3rd & 4th school term. The year 10 students will either have or be very close to having their 'L's by this time of the year. Club contributions are dependent on the number of high schools in their area. Maleny and Glasshouse Country Clubs have one high school in their area and are considered small clubs and will be paying $500 per year toward the program. The Road Safety Education and Department of Transport and Main Roads are coming on board for funding purposes. Maleny State High School is scheduled to attend on 21st July; our Club will be required to assist with the running of the program on some of the days, including when students from Maleny SHS are attending. So please pencil in this date and another in late July for some fantastic youth focused community service. At our last Board Meeting it was resolved to make our payment of $500 towards our membership of RYDA Caloundra.

- Maleny Selectors Green:
Many thanks to Jeff C for organising a team of Maleny Rotary volunteers to undertake a hands on working bee to weed the native shrubs and groundcover beds – removing kikuyu grass, cobblers pegs etc on 7th March. Despite the shocking humidity, it was amazing what was achieved by the team within just 2 hours. The native garden beds are now looking so much better for our team’s hard but caring work. We were ably assisted by Mike Norman from MDSRC and Mark Hutchins who was driving Dave Lowden’s truck to collect all of the grass and weeds removed from the beds. Gail Denver was also on hand to provide a refreshing morning tea. 

 

 - Foundation/ International Queensland and New South Wales Flood Appeal:
I hope we can all reflect on how lucky we are to be residing up here on the Blackall and Conondale Ranges which by and large have been spared from the scars and damage incurred in so much of SE Qld and Northern NSW from the recent rain events.  Unfortunately Craig S’s home was not so lucky, suffering damage from fallen trees. Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) has registered a Rotary Australia Relief Fund Project which is a national flood appeal to raise funds for assistance to flood victims of Qld and NSW. Donations can be made through RAWCS and are tax deductible.

- Crisis in Ukraine:
In response to the refugee crisis caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has decided to prioritise contributions made to the Disaster Response Fund until 30th April 2022 to support disaster response grants to districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicines, shelter and clothing. Half a million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid.  Rotary Clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
The UN estimates that the number of refugees could reach as many as 5 million people being displaced. Our Club's contribution to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Fund will be discussed at a future meeting.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 2ND FEBRUARY
Jim A, standing in in for President Greg who was present but recovering from dental surgery, welcomed members and our Guest Speaker.

Fran T reported that she was in discussions with the River School about a year 5-6 project.  She was also in touch with principals about the Maleny Education Support Fund.

Roly N suggested that flood appeal funds could go to RAWCS.  This may be advertised in the local press.  Craig S said there would be no participation in the Mud Army in Brisbane at the weekend.  It was mooted from the floor that, were the club able to support such activity, then assisting the Gympie area might be a better option.

Our Guest Speaker was Nerilee Sowter from Destiny Rescue. This is a registered charity whose mission is to rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and help them stay free. This is done through their rescue operations, reintegration programs and prevention efforts. They are active in countries where the need to save is great.

Nerilee's presentation featured the rescue of a young girl in the Philippines. Typically a child’s rescue from the sex trade means nothing if they cannot keep her from falling back into that place of exploitation. The process of keeping her free starts immediately after her rescue by meeting whatever needs she has that allow her to take the first steps toward freedom. Typically she enters a transitional home providing a safe place while a longer-term solution is found.

Nerilee's presentation followed the history of one rescued child with excellent graphics. Craig S gave the vote of thanks.

The meeting closed 8:30pm  

FUTURE MEETINGS AND EVENTS
18-20th March District Conference at Caloundra Events Centre

30th March Possible Vocational Visit

6th April Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Dinner Meeting with Guest Speaker Adrian McCullum on An Adventurous Life - Partners Night

13th April  Board Meeting

20th April Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Business Meeting.

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH
5th Judy Tilley  26th Rick Vickers

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

IN VINO VERITAS

 

 

Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 16th February 2022

 THE RANGE"  Vol. 64 No.14

WEDNESDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2022

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Business Meeting.

APOLOGIES
Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                           16 Feb        2 Mar             16 Mar
Duty Officer        Roly N        Malcolm B      Murray A
Assist DO           Alan W       Craig S           Ric T
Registration        Rick V       Jared A            Jim A
Fellowship          Des C        John W            Lionel T

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER

19 Feb     0730 - 1030  John & Bernice McL   James McC

               1030 - 1330    Paulette S   Phillip S   Chris B

19 Mar   0730 - 1030 TBA

               1030 - 1330    

 PRESIDENT'S NOTES
Our next meeting at the Maleny Hotel on 2 February is a Project/Business Meeting. Subject to any further changes and/or the adverse impacts of Covid 19, continue logging in at the Maleny Hotel with your Qld App, and bring your masks although they are not required whilst seated to drink and eat. We can all look forward to some good fellowship and updates from Directors on our various local and International projects.

Its time to finalise your registration for the inaugural District 9620 Conference to be held in beautiful Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast from 18th to 20th March 2022. Come and celebrate the coming together of two great Districts and get to know your fellow Rotarians and new found friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Here is the link:   https://conference.rotary9620.org/#Registration.  You can attend for one, two or all the days and also the Saturday night dinner.  We will also be preparing a static type display for the House of Friendship with an emphasis on our Speak Up Now Project and other projects.
 
Rotary Driver Education at Corbould Park Caloundra for 2022:
This program will now be held in July 2022 at a date to be advised.

Foundation/International:
At our last meeting, the Board approved a donation to ShelterBox of $1000. An article relating to Shelter Box and the Rotary International Tonga Volcanic Eruption and Tsanami appeal will also be placed in local newspapers. The effects of the Volcano and Tsunami on January 15th will be far-reaching, impacting the Tonga Community for months, possibly years to come. Communication remains problematic with international and inter-island calls still not possible due to the damage to the undersea cable. Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) will be working with Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS) and Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa (Tonga) in providing aid and assistance to the affected communities and restoring their livelihoods. RAWCS has registered a Rotary Australia Relief Fund project to seek financial assistance from Rotary Clubs, the public and private sector. Donations to the RAWCS Relief Fund are tax deductible. Donate through https://rawcs.org.au/.
For more information - Project  Tonga Volcano Eruption and Tsunami Disaster https://directory.rawcs.com.au/42-2021-22
 

23 February 2022 marks the 117th anniversary of the world’s first Rotary meeting. On that date in 1905, four individuals, each of a different background and different vocation met for dinner in the spirit of friendship and fellowship. In respect to the original four members, it is possible that Margaret Mead’s famous quote applies more to them than anyone: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 2ND FEBRUARY
The meeting got off to an early start at 18:55 with an opening discussion on last meeting's strudel!  The President welcomed members and the Guest Speaker Amanda Kennedy from Sunshine Coast Libraries. The Treasurer advised there had been a good response to his call for subscriptions to be paid.  Most members had settled their accounts with just a few stragglers.  

The Secretary reminded people:
1. The next sausage sizzle is on 19 February. James McC expressed mild concern regarding the timing of the early shift. A couple of members volunteered to be reserves for the day.
2. The District Conference is at Caloundra from 18 to 20 March.  All members are encouraged to attend.  This will be the first conference for the newly defined District.  The Club will be setting up a display in the House of Friendship at the conference.
3. The Maleny Show is on which was well received.  Jim in particular is looking forward to gate duties with the challenge of inspecting the vaccination status of all attendees.
4. The Wood Expo organisers have also indicated the expo will be on this year. The Treasurer was pleased as this is a significant contributor to our coffers. Unfortunately the event has since been cancelled.
5. A reminder that Zoo parking shifts will be available during the next school holidays – get your name down fast to avoid missing out!

The President called for expressions of interest in assisting with the Mooloolaba Triathlon. Members agreed there was insufficient capacity to assist this worthwhile event this year.

The post dinner fines session was conducted with its usual good humour with a material number of members apparently having warranted the receipt of a fine!

The Duty Officer introduced Amanda Kennedy of Sunshine Coast Libraries.  Amanda spoke passionately about the library and introduced several services offered which were likely unknown to the Rotary audience.  Such services as adult literacy classes, use of a podcast studio with training, heritage library at Nambour, assistance with ancestry tracing, equipment to digitise photographs, technology 1 on 1 sessions (this was thought most useful for a number of our members), online movies and magazines, home library service  and school holiday activities for the kids.  The list goes on and on.  The library service is truly amazing.  Amanda was pleased to see that most members present were members of the library and encouraged the non-members to sign up.  Peter McQ gave a vote of thanks.

The meeting closed 8:20pm  

FUTURE MEETINGS  AND EVENTS
2nd March  Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Dinner Meeting with Guest Speaker TBA

9th March  Board Meeting

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY
18th Jeff Cornfoot   28th Marlene Hankinson

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
SOME REFLECTIONS ON HUMAN NATURE

The Old Fridge
Some guy bought a new fridge for his house.  To get rid of his old fridge, he put it in his front yard and hung a sign on it saying:
'Free to good home. You want it, you take it.'
For three days the fridge sat there without anyone looking twice.
He eventually decided that people were too mistrustful of this deal.  So he changed the sign to read:
'Fridge for sale $50.'

The next day someone stole it!

The Psychiatrist
A noted psychiatrist was a guest speaker at an academic function where Mr X ** happened to appear. Mr X took the opportunity to schmooze the good doctor a bit and asked him a question with which he was most at ease.
'Would you mind telling me, Doctor,' he asked, 'how you detect a mental deficiency in somebody who appears completely normal?'
'Nothing is easier,' he replied. 'You ask a simple question which anyone should answer with no trouble. If the person hesitates, that puts you on the track..'
'What sort of question?' asked Mr X.
Well, you might ask , 'Captain Cook made three trips around the world and died during one of them. Which one?'
Mr X thought a moment, and then said with a nervous laugh, 'You wouldn't happen to have another example would you? I must confess I don't know much about history.'

** Insert the name of your politician of choice.

 

  THE RANGE"  Vol. 64 No.13

WEDNESDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2022

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Dinner Meeting with Guest Speaker Amanda Kennedy on Library Services.

APOLOGIES
Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                           2 Feb            16 Feb        2 Mar
Duty Officer        Fran T           Roly N        Malcolm B
Assist DO           Peter McQ    Alan W       Craig S
Registration        Renee H        Rick V       Jared A
Fellowship          Neil A            Des C        John W

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER

19 Feb     0730 - 1030  John & Bernice McL   James McC

               1030 - 1330    Paulette S   Phillip S   Chris B 

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
Our next meeting at the Maleny Hotel on 2 February is a General Meeting. At this point, but subject to any further changes and or the adverse impacts of Covid 19, continue logging in at the Maleny Hotel with your Qld App, and bring your masks although they are not required whilst seated to drink and eat. We can all look forward to an interesting presentation from Amanda Kennedy from Sunshine Coast Library Services in relation to our local Maleny Library.

District 9620 Conference in Caloundra 18, 19 and 20 March 2022:
The Inaugural District 9620 Conference will be held in beautiful Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast at the Caloundra Events Centre from 18th to 20th March 2022. I hope that as many of our members as possible are able to join with me to celebrate the coming together of two great Districts and get to know your fellow Rotarians and new found friends in a relaxed atmosphere. It will certainly be an opportunity to see and hear some amazing speakers changing the lives of others. Please put the dates in your diary. You can attend for one, two or all the days and also the Saturday night dinner.
We are continuing to explore the prospect of a static type display in the House of Friendship with an emphasis on our Speak Up Now Project. If members have any other ideas, please approach any of the Board.
 
Other Covid 19 Impacts:
I can confirm that due to the impacts of the Omnicron variant of COVID 19, the Board has also decided not to participate in the DIK service activities on 5th February or in the ROMAC Trivia Night on 3rd March.

Maleny SES Awards Presention:
Prior to Christmas, it was also my honour and privilege to attend this ceremony to present our Rotary Club of Maleny Community Spirit Award to SES Volunteer Pamela O’Connor. Pamela was absolutely thrilled to receive our award in recognition of her commitment to our broader Maleny and hinterland community through her dedicated long service with the Maleny SES.

 

And for some international news:
The Rotary International President Elect for 2022-23, Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, will be the first woman to hold the office of President in the organization’s 115-year history and recently announced her incoming theme. According to the Rotary International website, Jennifer Jones imagines Rotary fulfilling big dreams. “Imagine, a world that deserves our best, where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 19TH JANUARY
It was a smaller than usual gathering with only two tables of members attending. There was the noisy table with all the boys on it and there was the other table with the girls and our El Presidente Greg. A social gathering more than a business dinner meeting that’s for certain! Although there was a little business discussed, of course. More about that later…….

The biggest benefit of attending the meeting was that we were offered dessert! Apple strudel with icecream and cream. When Kim asked who wanted dessert, it was a unanimous raising of hands. Someone suggested taking a photo of said dessert so we could include it in the blog, however it was too late. By the time it was suggested, there was nothing left to photograph as all the desserts were devoured.

So back to the meeting. Bill H was applauded for being on the front page of this week’s edition of the GCM News and the subsequent photos inside relating to his gaining lifetime membership with the Maleny Show Society. Bill had a tale to tell of course about the photo of him at 8 years old wearing a suit. He apparently went swimming in it with his mates as he didn’t have anything else to wear.

Bernice was once more looking for someone to fill in at a sausage sizzle. This time for Murray who can’t make the one in February and Paulette put her hand up to do it.

Jim A mentioned that the half-yearly Rotary fees are due and that he’d sent out an email to all the members with some paying as soon as they received it.

Greg W spoke about the Australia Zoo parking thanking those who had done some shifts over the Christmas & New Year holidays and how the amount will help to increase our coffers. He mentioned being ready to do the next lot of parking due over the Easter holidays which won’t be until April.

It was also mentioned that with the Maleny Wood Expo planned for the long weekend in May and the Maleny Show at the end of May, there would be a great opportunity to raise significant funds for the Club. On the calendar is also the return of Muscle on the Mountain in July although all money from parking that day goes to charity.

Greg also gave another big thanks to Jim A and Roly N for putting up the lighting display at the Uniting Church over Christmas and for Roly’s masterpiece of a sign saying ‘Joy with Rotary’. Roly was apparently very prompt in taking down the lighting display afterward. Malcolm B said that the external lighting displays were well received by the community and the organizations who participated were happy to do it. So, it’s looking like it will be done for 2022 Christmas as well. Roly is hoping for a short word like ‘Joy’ again as it’ll mean not having to change the sign too much. Malcolm replied he thinks it may be ‘Peace’ which wasn’t quite the answer Roly had hoped for.

President Greg then closed the meeting.        

FUTURE MEETINGS  AND EVENTS
9th February  Board Meeting 

 

16th February  Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Business Meeting.

2nd March  Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Dinner Meeting with Guest Speaker TBA

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY
18th Jeff Cornfoot   28th Marlene Hankinson

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
THE DISMISSAL

All the members of the company's Board of Directors were called into the Chairman's office, one after another, until only Ted, the junior member, was left sitting outside.
 

Finally, it was his turn to be summoned.

Ted entered the office to find the Chairman and the other six Directors seated at the far end of the boardroom table.

 

Ted was instructed to stand at the other end of the table, which he did.

The Chairman looked Ted squarely in the eye, and with a stern voice, he asked: "Have you ever had sex with my secretary, Miss Floyd?"

"Oh, no sir, positively not...!" Ted replied.

"Are you absolutely sure...?" asked the chairman.

"Honest, I've never been close enough to even touch her...!"

"You'd swear to that...?"

"Yes, I swear I've never had sex with Miss Floyd, anytime, anywhere.." insisted Ted.

 

 

 

"Good.  Then YOU fire her."

Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 2nd June 2021

"THE RANGE"  Vol. 63 No.22

WEDNESDAY 2ND JUNE 2021

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Guest Speaker Kate Huth,  a Rotary Peace Fellow.

Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                        2nd Jun          16th Jun        7th July
Duty Officer      Roly N            Chris B          Jim A 
Assist DO          Phillip S          Keith R          Michael G   
Registration      Paulette S      John McL        Sherryl G
Fellowship        Lionel T         John W           Bill H

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
26 Jun     0730 - 1030    TBA

                1030 - 1330    TBA

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
1. Zonta Seeds of Change Forum on Sat 22 May 2021
It was a privilege to attend this forum against domestic and family violence and Elder Abuse held at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The key note speaker was Rosie Batty. And our own Sherryl G gave a magnificent presentation outlining the background,  approach to and numerous projects that have been completed and are planned for tackling this issue in the Sunshine Coast hinterland by our collaborative partnership of local service clubs under the banner of Speak Up Now. Sherryl also challenged other communities around Australia to adopt our grassroots model to effect change and make a real impact on community attitudes to respect.

2. A huge thankyou also to Ian Demack and the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre as our partner in Speak Up Now for organising a fantastic Candelight Ceremony/ Vigil against Family and Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse at Tesch Park Maleny on Thursday 20 May 2021. Speakers included Cr Winston Johnson, Member for Glasshouse Andrew Powell and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace who recently chaired a commonwealth investigation into the issue delivering 81 recommendations to tackle D&FV&EA.

Andrew Wallace also spoke of the extent gravity and pernicious impact of pornography on all levels of society, how it is impacting on respect in Australia between family members and steps he sees as necessary to stop our children from being flooded with it through inadvertent searches.
3. The 2021 Maleny Agricultural Show
Wow. The words "Best Show Ever" are already being thrown about. As your President, I am so proud of the selfless involvement of so many of our club members and their partners, past members and their partners, and prospective members in the  planning for, and the tireless and dedicated volunteering of their time and undertaking of enormous contributions to the operation of the Friday Gate, the Parking at Maleny Pioneer Village and Hoppers land, at the guess the weight of the bull competition, and at our Rotary Food Stall.

And apart from the tremendous value for money fare we have provided to so many Show attendees, it was just so satisfying to witness so many people return time and time again for our Maleny Show Stopper Steakburgers , pea and ham soup or pumpkin soup, hamburgers, egg and bacon burgers, hot dogs,  tea or coffees, sausages in a blanket, and wide range of pizzas.
Thank you one and all for making your contribution to a great Maleny Show.
And now it's off for the clean up on Sunday morning.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 19TH MAY

President Greg opened the meeting with the usual formalities.

Members had a warm welcome for CL Claridge who has returned from an extended stay in NZ. We also welcomed a visiting Rotarian from Melbourne who is also John Whan’s brother.

The meeting received a very comprehensive briefing from President Greg covering a number of topics/events including:

• A student from Maleny Senior High is attending the RYPEN Camp at Coolum,

• Greg, Sheryl, Paulette and Jeff attended the RYDA course at Corbould Park Racecourse. Students from Maleny High and the Maleny Flexi School attended and were all impressed with the program.

• On the 12th May a strong contingent of Rotarians from Maleny attended the dinner at the Sunshine Coast University. Maleny Rotary ran the bar which resulted in a nice profit to the Club

• The Candlelight Vigil and Walk for domestic violence awareness is to be held at Tesch Park on the 20th May.

• Sheryl is to be a key note speaker on the Domestic Violence Awareness program at the the Zonta ‘Seeds of Change Forum’  on 22nd May,

• Jill Morris is holding an environmental day at her property and requested some assistance with car parking.

• President Greg announced that the 2021 Changeover Dinner will be  on 23rd June at The Orangery.

Karen Heading from the Maleny Show committee spoke about the complex issues for the Maleny Show this year. There are significant restrictions and requirements that all members rostered for Show Gate duties needed to be aware of in order to comply with the Show Society’s COVID safe plan. There were a number of questions from the floor and Karen was left with a few extra issues to consider.

After Karen left a number of members spoke briefly on their recent activities including:

• Jeff on a Shelterbox display planned for Sunday 27th June,

• Jeff reported on discussions with Council staff at Mary Cairncross about the number of donated bench seats and plans for their installation somewhere in the Park,

• Bernice spoke about and passed around a roster for the Rotary food kiosk at the Maleny Show.

• Jim spoke about the roster for the Show Gate at the Show.

Sergeant Chris was an apology for the meeting so members were left to self-reflect on their misdeeds and redirected their fines money to the Polio Pig.

Unfortunately the meeting was running over-time so the presentation from CL on the projects in Nepal was held over to a later meeting. CL very graciously accepted the apology from President Greg. We look forward to hearing from her very soon.

The meeting was closed shortly after 8:30.

A MESSAGE FROM ANGELA WITH AN UPDATE ABOUT THE EBENEZER CHILD CARE TRUST

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

The mothers and children joined the rest of the Christian community across the world to celebrate the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. They gathered in the chapel to share the word of the Lord and discussed the importance of Easter. The children and the mothers sang and danced in fulfillment of this wonderful occasion.

OUR WONDERFUL DONORS FUND HOUSEWARES 
ECCT Executive Director, Owen Lisulo thanks donors for the ability to purchase 8 mattresses, 2 washing machines, 2 upright fridges and 1 stove for the homes. "It could not have come at a better time than this. We highly appreciate your continued donations to support our mothers and children. These items will help to make work very easy for our mothers” he said.
WELCOME TO RECEPTION CLASS 
Last year only three babies were going to school. Before the beginning of the school term, 6 babies were assessed in order to see if they were ready to start attending school. This has brought the total number of 9 children attending school from the baby's home leaving only two children at home; Brian and Elliot who are less than 2 years old. The children are very excited about this new development. ECCT endeavors to foster an early love of learning in the children. 
NEW VOLUNTEER SOCIAL WORKERS 
We have three Volunteer Social Workers who are currently working with Sunford Muchindu - the permanent Social Worker. We have Beauty, Chinyama, Mulenga, Mumba and Heather Nkobaika who are now working closely with the children. The volunteers have certificates in Psychosocial and Child Counseling.

HEALTH TALKS WITH THE CHILDREN 

Social workers Heather and Sunford sat with the toddlers, older boys and girls to discuss various issues that affect them. The topics which were covered during the discussion were; prevention of accidents, hygiene, family values and importance of education. 

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. You have given health, education and hope to over 500 severely disadvantaged Zambian children. 

FUTURE MEETINGS  AND EVENTS

9th June Board Meeting 

12th June RSL at 10am for the launch of Jack Wilcox's new book - Maleny Weather 1880 - 2016

16th June Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:30pm for Business Meeting with Nepal update from CL.

23rd June Changeover Night at The Orangery.

30th June Vocational visit to the Chocolate Factory at 1630h followed by pizzas in Finbars.

BIRTHDAYS FOR JUNE

1st Mike Edwards  

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES FOR JUNE

1st Chris and Judi Ross-Smith  16th Alan and Mary Wilson

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

ITS NICE TO BE RIGHT OCCASIONALLY

Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 7th April 2021

 

 "THE RANGE"  Vol. 63 No.18

WEDNESDAY 7TH APRIL 2021

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Guest Speaker Madison Crane on YEP Experience.

APOLOGIES AND MEALS
Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                        7th April          21st April        5th May   
Duty Officer     Phillip  S           Lionel T         Michael G
Assist DO          Ric T               ANO                Sherryl G     
Registration     James McC       Paulette S       Laurelle O
Fellowship       Chris B            John McL         Malcolm B

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
17th April
0730 -1030  TBA

1030 - 1330  TBA

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
(a) Health Updates

Its great to hear some very encouraging news with regard to Chris RS. Judy reports that “Chris has rallied and seems to be out of the woods.” Thank you to all of our members for your continuing support for Chris and Judi.

And the good news continues with Brian A who has returned home to make his recovery, albeit that it will take a bit of time. It will be 5/6 weeks before Brian can put any weight on his ankle. A huge thank you again to our members for your contact with Brian and Gillian and your offers of support.

And further good news. I was speaking with Marlene B this morning who confirms that Bill H is also back home after a successful knee operation and is hopping around on one crutch looking for Easter eggs.

On behalf of the Club, I also pass on my heart felt best wishes for Cilla and Rick V and their family as Cilla prepares to undergo a major procedure over the coming weeks.

(b) Our next meeting is at the Maleny Hotel on 7 April under Qld COVID-19 Regulations. A big thank you to our astute Mike G for organising Madison Crane to be our guest speaker at our next meeting. On behalf of the Club, we are all looking forward to listening closely to Madison’s recent experiences throughout Europe as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and the impact that the program has made on her future aspirations. Madison is the daughter of our newest member Des and wife Kelley. 

(c) Recent Club events and Community Service 

• Thank you to Des C, Chris B and other members for attending the Farewell Luncheon for Past President and former member of our Club Eddie Vann and Linda Vann from their outstanding and long-term leadership positions with our local TS Centaur Naval Cadet Unit on 27 March at the Maleny RSL. Eddie and Linda have been the glue that kept the Unit going, provided so many of our youth with opportunities that would never have otherwise been available to them and have been instrumental in the maturing of so many of our young teenagers into exceptional adults during their time with the Unit. It was also Eddie who had the vision for and was the inaugural Chairman of the annual Hinterland Aussie Day Expo on Australia Day at the Maleny Showgrounds and I also want to thank Eddie and Linda for all their time and support in organising and holding that event. I wish Eddie and Linda all the best on their retirement to Bribie Island.

• Another massive thank you to DG Neil Black and all his conference team for putting on an excellent last Rotary District 9600 Conference at Kingaroy on 26-28 March. It was my absolute pleasure to attend what was my first and last Rotary District 9600 Conference  with a tremendous band of local Rotarians. I have included a photo of our 7 strong contingent of Bernice and John McL, Paulette S, Craig S, Mike and Sherryl G and myself taken at the Gala Dinner at the Kingaroy Town Hall. We were blessed by the organisers with a fantastic array of speakers, mixed with serious networking with members and leaders of so many other clubs from within not only 9600 but also 9640, and so many opportunities for fun and laughter. Craig S found gold at Bethany thanks to a very generous John Bjelke – Peterson after nearly being flown away by the biggest Scotch Gray mosquitoes ever seen on the planet, and I have forever stamped into my memory the lifelike image of a Ford Cortina Hardtop stamping across the Kingaroy State High School Hall stage – all show but no go. 

And a huge thank you to Bernice and John for organising outstanding accommodation for Crag S, Paulette S and myself from where we enjoyed the best view in Kingaroy. 

We have come away with some great ideas on how to retain and grow our membership, and have been reminded of the important life-changing impact that Rotary can have on an individual life and career path and on the lives of so many here at home in Australia and around the globe. Sadly, I report that no member of our Club was successful with any of the great prizes on offer in the Conference Raffle.

The first 9620 District Conference is being held next year in Caloundra and I hope as many members of our Club as possible can attend for all or at least part of next year’s Conference.

• Local young Wootha adventurer Sam Hughes, the Travelling Jackeroo, departed Maleny on 21 March and has been camped at  Roma whilst his tractor underwent some minor repairs before taking on the real outback of Australia. Please keep looking at our Club facebook pages for further updates. Sam must be ready to set off as his tractor cracked about 45 kph on the Roma drag strip this afternoon on the way to raising more money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Dollys Dream.

• Another thank you to Rick V for his continued on-going work with the Maleny Show Society sorting out a plethora of COVID 19 compliance requirements, and especially with the complications arising from the 3 day lockdown of the past week. 

(d) Upcoming Events

• 6 and 7 April Carparking at Australia Zoo as per Roster from Ian Hope RC of Glasshouse.

• 17 April SC South Cluster Gala Dinner at Maroochydore RSL – (Wendy Gleeson)

• 24 April Hinterland Cluster 100 years of Rotary celebration breakfast at Beersheba Living Museum 8.30 am for 9 am. Lets celebrate this extraordinary milestone with our invited guests, fellow Rotarians, and their partners from within our cluster with a blend of fun, fellowship and our relaxed hinterland lifestyle.

• 8 May Assistance being provided by 6 Rotarians at Smart Living Society Limited Casino Gambling night at RSL. Club will be paid donation of $1000. 5.30 for 6 pm Free entry and a meal. Training provided. Other members welcome for a fun evening and a chance to win many prizes. Tickets on sale on Wednesday night.

• 12 May Rotary Scholarship meeting at USC.

• 16 May Town Meets Country Race Day at Corbould Park organised by Rotary Club of Brisbane . Laurelle O will provide more details at our next meeting 

• 29 to 30 May Maleny Agricultural Show . Calling all hands for Rotary car parking and Rotary Food stall

• 3-9 July Borderline Youth Camp

Alan Wilson has provided information on this camp for teenagers aged 15-18 which focuses on youth mental health. Alan’s daughter, Helen, is a leader for the camp and is willing to come to the Club to speak about it. Cost is $490 per person. As Sherryl has reported, “It sounds very good, however it is at Camp Laurence, Lake Moogerah near Boonah, so not sure if we could get interest from teenagers up here considering how far away it is? More information at www.borderlinecamp.com.

• 17 July Winter Blues Concert – subject to successful grant application to SCC.

• 28 August Pride of Workmanship Dinner 

• 18 Sep Kite Flying Event – Speak Up Now Collaborative Partners with MDSRC at Beersheba Living Museum and Ziza Field 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 17TH MARCH

President Greg opened the meeting with a welcome to all Rotarians, and a special welcome to guests AG Wendy Gilson and AGFR Vern Gilbert who will be talking later in the meeting.

He passed on his best wishes on behalf of the Club to two of our Rotarians who have been laid low, Brian Allen and Chris Ross-Smith, and wished then a speedy recovery.
Updates were provided on the following events which had occurred since our last meeting.
Obi Obi Clean-up: The event was well attended by the community and three of our members made it to clean up a great deal of crap from the area.
Elder Abuse Forum for hairdressers and barbers was a success with over ten people attending. There was much interest in the speakers and some expressed an interest in doing the course on the recognition of elder abuse if fund can be found.
Fran and Sheryl attended the Interact Conference at Caboolture
Laurelle and Jeff assisted at the astronomer’s night which was appreciated by the organisers.
The travelling Jackeroo will be in the Maleny main street on Sunday about 9.00am for the start of his adventure.

Sargeant at arms was absent so there was a free-for-all making fines on each other. It was quite revealing how quickly members were willing to “dob” in each other.

Gala Dinner: AG Wendy Gilson spoke to us about a Gala Dinner being organised by the Sunshine South Cluster Group to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand. It will be held on Saturday 17^th April, 2021 at the Maroochydore RSL at 6.30pm. Tickets $100 per head.  She hoped the Maleny Rotary could put a party together.
She also spoke about a Monument being planned to commemorate the centenary, location to be determined. All clubs in the Sunshine Coast Cluster would be depicted along with a time capsule in the base.
Annual Rotary Golf Tournament: Vern Gilbert invited members to join in the 43^rd Annual Golf Tournament being organised by the Maroochydore Rotary Club. It will be held on 16-21 May 2012, at the Maroochy River Golf Club and attracts Rotarians Australia wide.

President Greg closed the meeting with an invitation to our next meeting which will be a vocational night at the Maleny Chocolate Factory on 31^st March 2021.

FUTURE MEETINGS AND EVENTS
14th April Board Meeting

21st April Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Business Meeting

28th April No meeting

5th May TBA

12th May Rotary Scholarship Dinner at USC

19th May Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for Business Meeting

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL
1st Nancy Baker  4th Phillip Stark  12th Chris Brooker  23rd John McLennan  27th Chris Ross Smith & John Whan

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES FOR APRIL
13th Jeff & Jan Cornfoot  16th Brian and Gillian Allen 26th Bill & Marlene Hankinson

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

RANDOM THOUGHTS - HOPEFULLY YOUR SMILES FOR THE DAY

When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison...

To me, "drink responsibly" means don't spill it...

Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight...

The older I get, the earlier it gets late...

I remember being able to get up without making sound effects. 

I had my patience tested. I'm negative...

When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say "nothing," it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing...

I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever... I run like the winded...

I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don't know whose side I'm on...

When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, "Why, what did you hear?"

When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery???

Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That'll freak you right out... (This Is The Truth!!!)

Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops...

My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb...  

 

Rotary Club of Maleny Bulletin for 17th February 2021

 "THE RANGE"  Vol. 63 No.15

WEDNESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2021

THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm with Guest Speaker the Travelling Jackaroo Sam Hughes plus a Business Meeting.

APOLOGIES AND MEALS
Apologies please to Bernice before noon on Tuesday.

DUTY ROSTER
                       17th Feb         3rd March     17th March   
Duty Officer     Bill H              Paulette S     Jim A
Assist DO          Angela G         Rick V           Roly N  
Registration     Lionel T          Malcolm B      Bernice McL
Fellowship       Chris R-S         John W          Keith R

WOOLWORTH SAUSAGE SIZZLE ROSTER
20th February
0730 -1030  Roly Neiper   Brian Allen   Fran Tickle
1030 - 1330 Lionel Tilley   Andy Schouteten   Rick Vickers 

PRESIDENT'S NOTES
(a) Past the halfway mark of the 2020/2021 Rotary Year
We have crossed into February 2021 and are gearing up for some interesting and fulfilling service work over the coming months. As I have previously mentioned, Rotary International President Holger Knaack said at the start of his term, “its not my year, its our year”. On the basis of the connections we have made, the opportunities we have opened, and what we collectively are continuing to do and are planning to do during these COVID 19 impacted times to serve our community and to grow and engage our members, I am proud to say his statement rings true for the members of our Rotary Club of Maleny.
(b) Our next meeting at The Maleny Hotel on Wed 17 Feb 2021 under Qld COVID-19 Regulations. We will be blessed with 2 guest speakers at our joint assembly with Glasshouse Rotary Club at our next meeting. The line-up will include:
-local young Wootha adventurer, Sam Hughes the Travelling Jackeroo. Attached is a photo of his rig to which our Rotary signs will be attached shortly;

 

- Tony Long the incoming AG for our new Rotary Cluster as of 1 Jul 2021.
(c) Our Maleny Rotary Settlers Green maintenance crew joined Mike Norman from MDSRC on 10th  February for a working bee to trim the low branches of the top Moreton Bay Fig tree, and clean up and remove the sticks and fallen branches from under it together with the assortment of weeds and grasses popping up in the new gardens that we helped fund and establish last year. A huge thank you to Jeff C, Lionel T, Chris B, Roly N and yours truly. I have attached a few photos of crew members in action.

(d) Sherryl G and myself along Val France, Barb Smith and other members of our Speak Up Now Stop Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Collaboration attended at the Maleny Pioneer Village on 10th February to be presented with a $500 cheque from the Maleny Horseless Carriage Club. Our next red bench project is at Maleny Pioneer Village, and a DV& EA forum with hairdressers, beauty and message therapists is being organised for 11th March at Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre has also agreed to come on board the collaborative partnership. Attached is a photo of the presentation.

(e) It was also a pleasure to join 6 other Maleny Rotarians last Thursday at 11 am at the Maleny RSL to monitor Year 6 students of The River School assemble Solar Lights. As Sherryl G wrote to School Principal Ann Donoghoe:
“Dear Ann, 
We are very happy to report that the Year 6 class excelled themselves in their behaviour and enthusiastic participation in the Solar Light project yesterday. As you can see from the attached photo, Chris Brooker who coordinated the project and Rotary President Greg Williams were very satisfied with the end result. It was a rich learning experience for the students, I believe (and us). Lots of lessons were learnt and not just about solar light kits and the need for them in energy poor countries. The importance of reading and following instructions, that it’s ok to ask for help, that perseverance wins out in the end (the screws were very tiny and it took a bit of dexterity to get them in right), and that the more kits you make up the more letters you have to write and lots more. Chris also talked about the significance of the RSL hall and some of the memorabilia in there.
Many thanks to Trudi and the parents who attended. We had 7 Rotarians there in all and we all enjoyed communicating with the young people and seeing how happy they were to be involved in the project and so proud particularly when they finished their first kit. 
Chris has organised with Trudi to pick up all the letters early next week and the kits and letters will be returned to the Solar Buddy warehouse to be distributed overseas. Thank you again for enabling us to complete this collaborative project with the River School. We have more projects in the pipeline that we would like to discuss with you too, once we have signed off on this one and sent in the final report. The Rotary Foundation Grant Committee approved a grant of $1000 to assist in the payment of the kits.”

Ann Donoghoe replied to Sherryl: “Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback. The students returned to school very happy with the experience and enjoyed the company of RSL members and the opportunity to work side-by-side doing something that will make a difference to those less fortunate. The photo is fabulous. I will put your email and photo in my next report to our School Board.
Many thanks to Chris B, Sherryl G, Bernice McL, John McL, Jeff C and Ric T for their assistance' 

(f) Several club members also attended the MDSRC AGM on the 11th Feb at 6 pm. Rick V gave a well received presentation on behalf of our Maleny Rotary Club offering the benefit of our wisdom and experiences for compliance with COVID 19 requirements and conditions so that numerous other Maleny Clubs and organisations may hold planned events during 2021 and beyond. Chris B was also reappointed as Patron of MDSRC for the 10th year. The attached photo includes a snap of Jo Turner who has overseen the start up of Maleny Trail Parkrun. The free run or walk is going gangbusters and attracted 119 participants last Saturday. Our financial and other contributions to the commencement of this event are being repaid tenfold with improvement to the health and wellness of our local community.
It was a pleasure to see our own James McC cross the finish line in a smart time last Saturday.
(g) Upcoming events
14 Mar Ironman event Volunteer assistance by club members&nbsp
14 Mar Interact Conference 
17 Mar Wendy Glesson booked in to speak at our meeting at Maleny Hotel
26-28 Mar Kingaroy – Rotary District Conference 
This is the last District 9600 Conference. Ever. You won't want to miss this. Registrations Close: 18th March | Accommodation: First in, best dressed
17 Apr SC South Cluster Gala Dinner at Maroochydore RSL – (Wendy Gleeson)
24 Apr Hinterland Cluster 100 years of Rotary celebration breakfast at Beersheba Living Museum 8.30 am 
8 May Assistance required for Smart Living Society Limited Gambling night at RSL by 6 Rotarians. Club will be paid donation of $1000. 5.30 for 6 pm Free entry and a meal . Training provided.
16 May Town Meets Country Race Day at Corbould Park organised by Rotary Club of Brisbane 
29 to 30 May Maleny Agricultural Show 
(h) Club made several donations and financial commitments :
- Up to $850 towards the purchase of a coffee machine for Maleny Interact Club;
- $1500 to the Rotary Foundation;
- $1000 to the Nepal - Business Entrepreneurship Training & Support for Women with Disability Project; 
- $5000 for our Maleny Rotary Community Grants program with up to a maximum of $1000 per applicant;
- Community Project(s) for 100 year celebrations in 2021. We have resolved to proceed with 2 local projects:
1. Peace Poles with up to 10 languages in local schools. An estimate of costs for the poles and the plaques to be obtained.
2. An upgrade of the Rotary Memorial Stone at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve or more resting benches within the reserve.

MINUTES OF MEETING OF 3RD FEBRUARY
President Greg welcomed members and guest Des Crane to the meeting. Greg advised that the Pride of Workmanship Award to Melanie Franti was duly presented during the week in her workplace at the IGA. The Club container clean-up was successful with those members who assisted reporting that it was a bit of a trip down memory lane. It was decided that some Club memorabilia needed to be farewelled and sadly or otherwise that’s the last we’ll see of Rudolph.
Chris B reported on the Solar Light project which gets underway on Thursday 11 February at the RSL. 20 Year 6 students from The River School will work with the assistance of some Rotary members to assemble the kits which will then be donated to students in schools in need overseas. We have bought 50 kits with the aid of a Rotary Foundation District Grant. The students will also learn about solar energy and the needs of young people in countries that are energy poor. They will also work back at school on writing letters to the recipients of their lights.
Sherryl gave an update on the Domestic and Family Violence project, Speak up Now, which was established as a combined service club project between RC of Maleny, Zonta Club of the Blackall Range, and Quota Maleny. The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre has accepted an invitation to be part of the planning committee for the project. The Historical Society is donating $500 to the project; funds from their recent successful open day. The committee is working on a Cheese and Wine event in March for hairdressers and barbers in town. Representatives of a Bribie Island organisation Hairdressers with Hearts will attend along with other D&FV services to present information and resources for hairdressers.
Lionel reported that calendar sales were up on last year with just a few left. 2000 calendars were printed last year.
Maleny Show May 2021: It is likely that the show will be held in some form, though maybe just a one-day event this year.

Member, Fran Tickle, was our guest speaker for the night. She gave an account of her early life in Brisbane where her life was about family and friends. She loved school except for her music teacher Sister Andrina of whom she was terrified. She always wanted to be a teacher. However, against advice she left school after completing Junior and got her first job.
Through her early teenage years she would accompany her father to the various War Veterans Homes and together with others they would entertain them. Her Dad had a beautiful baritone voice and Fran would play the piano for him and do a bit of singing. Though she didn’t realise it at the time, this was Fran’s first introduction to service of others.
Fran worked from age 15 to her retirement just before she was 69. Her employment included working in a solicitor’s office, 12 years as a civilian with the army and in 1987 she joined Education Queensland at Glasshouse Mountains SS and the next year started at Maleny High School where she served on the Chaplaincy committee for 15 years. This opened up a whole new world for her - the world of young people. She loved working with Chappy and the kids and was drawn to those ones who were doing it tough. “I could see good people inside struggling to get out” she said.
She enjoyed overseas trips to Israel, Turkey, Greece, Ireland and the UK but most influential in her life was a 3 week volunteer stint in the Solomon Islands where she helped to set up a library. She came back with a passion to do something to help make their lives better. So she set about collecting books with the vision of a class of 70 kids and just 20 desks still in her mind. She talked to Chappy who suggested she contact Maleny Rotary and the rest is history. This led to the establishment of the very successful Interact Club at Maleny SHS chartered in 2006 which Fran coordinated. She said “We had the very best kids in Interact. They were enthusiastic, they worked hard, we had fun, we made fools of ourselves, and did all manner of things to raise money”. Fran still keeps contact with many of the students and families whom she helped and paid tribute to Rotary members who worked along with her on Interact projects, as well as school staff including former principal Brian King. Fran summed up her talk by saying that she loved being part of this community, of being involved, in Rotary, the Music ministry at church, Erowal, Choir, her oldies, and her family.

 “This is my life”.

It was wonderful to hear Fran’s story. Her continued involvement in the community, her compassion for those doing it tough, as well as her cheerful and positive nature is an inspiration to us all.

FUTURE MEETINGS AND EVENTS
24th February No meeting.

3rd March Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm with Guest Speaker Rick Paget, the new coordinator of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre.

10th March Board Meeting.

14th March Interact Conference at Caboolture
                   Sunshine Coast Ironman Event

17th March Maleny Hotel at 6:30 for 7:00pm for a Business Meeting.

26-28th March Last D9600 District Conference at Kingaroy.

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY
18th Jeff Cornfoot  28th Marlene Hankinson

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

THE BIRTH OF THE INTERNET

In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham Com did take unto himself a healthy young wife by the name of Dorothy. And Dot Com was a comely woman, large of breast, broad of shoulder and long of leg. Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com. 

And she said unto Abraham, her husband, "Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?" 

And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags short of a camel load, but simply said, "How, dear?" 

And Dot replied, "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will reply telling you who hath the best price. The sale can be made on the drums and delivery made by Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS)." 

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. 

And the drums rang out and were an immediate success. Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever having to move from his tent. 

To prevent neighbouring countries from overhearing what the drums were saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew. It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew To The People (HTTP). 

And the young men did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS. 

And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land. Indeed he did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates' drumheads and drumsticks. 

And Dot did say, "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken over by others." 

And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel , or eBay as it came to be known. 

He said, "We need a name that reflects what we are." 

And Dot replied, "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner Operators." 

"YAHOO," said Abraham. 

And because it was Dot's idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com. 

Abraham's cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot's drums to locate things around the countryside. 

It soon became known as God's Own Official Guide to Locating Everything (GOOGLE). 

Well, that is how it all began.