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Scottish RI International President talks to Alex Rotary

Message of Bravery, Peace and especially Hope and a new logo from the new incoming RI President

 
We had a really inspirational talk on Friday from the incoming International President. Its not often that (in fact its the first time we believe) that all the various nationalities that make up Rotary hear the new theme in their own language. And its not often that you hear courage and bravery associated with Peace. But that was Gordon's message to Rotary. That Peace is not a passive thing, it requires action, to be courageous and brave an hard work. So it is with mental Health, seeking out help for mental health is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of bravery, courage and strength. 
 
Gordon has clearly a history of international aid and related an experience with a woman who suffered really badly from the Tsunami. He reflected that the greatest gift we can give to folks in desperate circumstances is not always material things, but through practical help to deliver Hope, and so our logo and challenge is to "Create Hope in the world"
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Year resolutions, club challenges, and topical discussions

A bright New Year start from Alex Rotary

A certain scribe has been reflecting on the year ahead for the club and New Year resolutions.  Suggesting that on a personal level (and maybe at Club level) there is value in words calling for a simple call to action.
 
The best NY resolution that he has heard (and that he can remember - because its only two words)  is "Do Better"
 
This challenge has resonated with a few, including President elect Peter who is having a think about what it could be at club level.
 
One person who has already taken this on board is our very own Angela did well by providing confectionary at the meeting to sweeten our early morning temperaments while celebrating the year of the rabbit. Good onya Angela. 
 
And big shout out to our resident GP, Phillip,  who did well to remind the meeting that Wednesday was also the day that's celebrated all over the world to mark the birth of the worlds greatest poet, Robert Burns. 
 
Also as a certain scribe noted in regards to the date of Australia Day, what was our reflections on the current community views about the date of the celebrations....could we, as a community "do better"?
 
and would the date of Australia Day pass the 4 way test?
 
What do you think?
 
Club meetings
 
A reminder that before next weeks meeting there are two ZOOM meetings.
 
On Monday Mike is charing a meeting on Pride of Workmanship project, and on Tuesday the first Board meeting of the year. As always all members inputs are welcome. 
 
 
Members Profile - Mark Dodge

Members Profile - Mark Dodge

 
Last year we welcomed Mark into the club and a few weeks ago he was invited to talk to the club about his life and interests.
 
Mark has a long history of "making a difference" to communities he's worked in around Australia, and clearly has always been in the business of "giving back" wherever his career took him. His work life in sales and communications has seen him now in account management with the local radio station. 
 
Of particular interest was his volunteer work and his lengthy service in Rotary is to be commended. Of particular interest was his volunteer work as an Lifeline telephone counsellor, receiving calls from folks often in desperate circumstances, with issues that hopefully none of us have to face. 
 
So after a career around Eastern Australia and Northern Territory we're delighted to have Mark in the Sunshine Coast community .....and especially to have him as a member of Alex Rotary. 
Whats happening in your Rotary District?
 
Bonnie & Belinda making a difference to lives on the coast

Thank you Bonnie and Belinda

 
 
We had our first Wednesday morning meeting, and special guests from Caloundra Pacific members, Bonnie and Belinda. Bonnie is the driving force (force is the right word) behind "Share a meal" ...an initiative started several years ago by Judeth and Maureen, and taken up by the amazing Cal Pac club volunteers, to ensure that every Thursday the folks who would appreciate a chat and a meal have a place in Caloundra. 
 
 
 Unfortunately, as is often the case with folks who need a hand, mental health issues are all too common and it was personal tragedy that Bonnie related to the club that made Bonnie and her teams efforts all teh more meaningful.
 
Well done to everyone involved. 
 
Wendy rounded up the fines and donations and we were able to match the funds from fines session from CalPac as a gesture of Alex Rotary's appreciation for the great work that these folks do every week. 
 
 
 
In some ways the social side of helping the community is equally important, and Bonnie shared some heartwarming stories with us. 
 
 
Love the graphics
 
 
 
Collage - did you see?

Our club artist has been busy

Always one to put his artistic flair to every project our mate Steve has been busy creating a collage for our new Club pop-ups showing off some of the activities Alex Rotary has been up to over the years. Some great memories here...Well done Stevo. 
 
 
News from Madagascar

 

Madagascar - who knew?

New member and world traveller Narelle dropped us a line to let us know that she was not able to make Wednesday's breakfast meeting as she was teaching English to the community in Madagascar. Fair enough we thought, and its a great opportunity to bring you an more detailed update from Narelle in future newsletters. 
 
Meanwhile here is some Madagascar questions to test your general knowledge.laugh some more relevant than others...
 
What is the name of the dejected Zebra in Central Park in the original Madagascar ?
What is the name of the King of the Lemurs?
What is the capital of Madagascar?
What is the currency of Madagascar?
 
Get all 4 questions right to be in the draw to win $50 Bunnings voucher. Winner decided from readers responses tomorrow. 
Alex Rotary Worklife book - going international ?

WorkLife Book ..do you have?

We've had a request for a printed copy of the WorkLife book that was created by the club with support from Sunshine Coast Council a few years ago. The club printed 50 copies of the book, as reference material and "door opener" for discussions with schools on how Alex Rotary could help bring the gap between leaving school and starting work. We included lots of advice and experiences from our members worklife and how they started their working lives and what was their advice to the younger generation. 
 
The book content is available in module form on the club website  CLICK where you can see some photo's of the initial contributors. 
 
We've had a request for a printed copy and there's none left.
 
In fact we've not had any spare for years, as copies were taken up by Rotary clubs in Qld, NSW, Victoria, as well as the UK, USA and Alaska following an article in Rotary Down Under. So if you have a copy that you're happy to hand back, please let a certain scribe know as our old mate Bob Thompson would appreciate one for a family member who's doing great work in Argentina. 
 
ate 
Your Rotary Down Under
Upcoming Events
Bunnings BBQ
Mar. 31, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
 
Geoff and John L meet Buderim Chamber of Commerce
Apr. 02, 2024
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
 
Pam Woods - Book Memoir
Apr. 03, 2024
6:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
 
Cheque Presentation to Global Water Safety
Apr. 08, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 9:34 a.m.
 
Are you being scammed? - OFT
Apr. 17, 2024
6:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
 
Rotary Young Driver Awareness-Nambour State Colleg
Apr. 23, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
 
Brody Grogan - Photography
May 01, 2024
6:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
 
Phillip Smith - Noosa Homeless Program
May 08, 2024
6:46 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
 
Kay Wiseman - WCO and Nurse
May 15, 2024
6:47 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
 
Pride of Workmanship awards evening (proposed)
May 29, 2024
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
 
Alex Head Rotary Solstice SWIM - Dateclaimer
Jun. 23, 2024
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
 
Changeover Dinner 6.00pm
Jul. 03, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
 
Maroochy High School Mock Interviews *TBC
Jul. 25, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
View entire list

This week the theme is .....Dogs

 
There is a good reason why babies and dogs are loved by almost everyone. Do you know? answer at the end of Dad's jokes.
 

1. Q: Why are dogs like phones?

A: Because they have collar IDs!

 

2. Q: Why do dogs run in circles? 

A: Because it’s hard to run in squares!

 

3. Q: What kind of dog likes having a bath every day? 

A: A shampoo-dle! 

 

4. Q: What was the little Scottish dog’s reaction when he first saw the Loch Ness Monster?

A: He was Terrier-fied.

 

5. Q: What did one flea say to the other?

A: Should we walk or take a dog?

 

6. Q: Why was the dog sweating so much?

A: She was a hot dog!

 

7. Q: What do you call a great dog detective?

A: Sherlock Bones!

 

8. Q: How do fleas travel from place to place?

A: By itch-hiking!

 

9. Q: Which dog breed does Dracula love the most?

A: Bloodhounds!

 

 10. Q: How are dog catchers in the UK paid?

A: By the pound

 

11. Q: Why didn’t the dog want to play football? 

A: It was a Boxer

  

12. Q: What’s a dog’s favorite kind of pizza?

A: Pupperoni pizza!

 

13. Q: How are a dog and a marine biologist alike? 

A: One wags a tail and the other tags a whale

 

14. Q: What do puppies and pages of a book have in common?

A: They’re both dog-eared

  

15. Q: What type of dog is constantly aware of the time?

A: A watch dog

 
And why are dogs loved?... because they can't talk. 
 
 
Club Information

Our Meeting Details

Wednesdays at 6:45 a.m.
Alex Surf Life Saving Club
Alex Beach
Alexandra Headland , QLD 4557
Australia
Enter from the beach side, next to Coffee kiosk. Magnificent morning views of sun rising over the pacific* (Technically it's the earth falling...but that took us a while to figure out. Ed)
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