BULLETIN of the ROTARY CLUB of OCEAN GROVE INC.
Volume 24 No. 13
Meeting at the SES shed, Grubb Rd. Drysdale on 4th October 2005 – 6.00 for 6.30.
NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE
Same time, same price, BYO drinks, warm clothing and something to sit on. The DG will be there. It is not an official partner’s night, but partners are welcome. If you are bringing a partner, advise Hans.
DIRECTIONS Proceed out along Grubb Rd. in a northerly direction, starting at Webbies Wallington Mitre 10. Turn right at the ambulance station, short of that big bugger of a round-a-bout, and before you get to the turn-off to the potato shed. The SES shed is next to the Ambulance station. Don’t park in front of either!!! We will have a BBQ
Another look at our last social function – The wine night at the Hotel on 20th September.
John Calnin organised a very good night. Those that were there had a ball, and the guest speaker was excellent. So why didn’t you come? I mean the 34% of members who stayed away, and the 64% of partners who stayed home, [or went somewhere else].
Not much point in labouring the issue, but we should have managed a better turn-out! We are a happy and well-adjusted mob, but we are not very social. PITY.
I also forgot to tell you that Ken Wyatt had a birthday on the 21st, and Leigh & Meryl Holloway celebrated an anniversary on the 26th. Geoff Brentnall and Bob Smith achieved make-ups and I am apologising for that slip-up. Nine members still havn’t completed the Privacy Legislation declaration.
Serial no. 1 – Chocolate v. Sex – 9 to 12 of 20.
9. The word “commitment” doesn’t scare off chocolate.
10. You can have chocolate on top of your desk during working hours without upsetting your workmates.
11. You can ask a stranger for chocolate without getting your face slapped.
12. Censored. Sorry!
Women in Rotary
Until 1989, the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International stated that Rotary club membership was for males only. In 1978, the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, invited three women to become members. The RI board withdrew the charter of that club for violation of the RI constitution.
The club took legal action against RI claiming a violation of a State civil rights law which prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that Rotary could not remove the Club’s charter merely for inducting women into the club. The US Supreme Court upheld the Cal. Court indicating that Rotary clubs do have a ‘business purpose’ and are in some ways public-type organisations. This action in 1987 allowed women to become Rotarians in any jurisdiction having similar ‘public accommodation’ statutes.
The RI constitutional change was made at the 1989 Council on Legislation, with a vote to eliminate the ‘male only’ provision for all of Rotary.
Ed note: I know of several Australian Rotary clubs which ‘held out’ against this overdue change for some years. One club even missed out on a potential president because of fairly obvious bigotry about women in Rotary. Hopefully, all clubs have now come to their senses.
Birthstones
Some husbands may not thank me for this, but some birthstones are linked with the months of the year. [according to Russell Ash’s Book of Lists]
January = Garnet. February = Amethyst. March = Aquamarine. April = Diamond
May = Emerald. June = Pearl. July = Ruby. August = Peridor. September = Sapphire.
October = Opal. November = Topaz. December = Turquoise.
Reflections on the AFL Grand Final
I thought it was a great match, although I have doubts whether BH should have been playing.
My two boys and I were in the queue for MCC members’ ‘walk-up’ seats by 5.30 AM, with the gates opening at 8, but we could have got just as good seats if we had strolled in at 11,[and knew where to go!]
My complaint is about the way the teams react to the National Anthem. I doubt if any of them stood to attention, and most of them had their hands behind their backs. Did any of them show signs of knowing the words? Is it considered ‘sissy’ for a sportsman to recognise our National Anthem?? In fairness, I must admit that many of the MCC members near us, didn’t take off their hats for it. Some of us are SLOBS. .
Last Night. [ We should collectively be ashamed of ourselves]
Our attendance was 23/49. The worst attendance in 10 years. Even worse, 6 of the 26 didn’t apologise. THAT is irresponsible! Some points from the assembly.
• The memorial Garden project is not on. Problems with Council.
• But a Rotary Park may be. Geoff Chandler is showing great tenacity of purpose.
• The Neighbourhood Centre wants us to support an annual event for youth.
• If you are prepared to support President-Elect Richard in 2006/07, contact him.
• If you haven’t yet booked for the Queenscliffe Charter Night this Fri, contact Helen.
• Two members booked to attend Torquay RC & didn’t go or apologise, MUST PAY
• Rotary identification for members at working bees was discussed.
• A defibrillator is not a lie detector, but is an important project. Wal Kelly to elaborate!
The numbers game
Our most recently reported monthly attendance average was 65%, 47th out of 61 clubs. We have 49 members. Queenscliffe, with 18 reported members, came in 16th.
Coming events
11th October, our AGM: 18th October, members and partners’ dinner at Davidsons.
District finances
There was a surplus for 2004/05 of $29,195 on gross revenue of $169,848. including club dues of $117,846. Expenses came to $140,653, of which insurance took $55,944, [47.5% of dues]. District reserves now total $146,754.
End bit.[Under the circumstances, an unfortunate heading!]
It isn’t widely known, but the first toilet seat was invented by a Polish scientist in the 18th Century. The invention was later modified by a Jewish inventor who put a hole in the seat.
