PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Change does not mean regressive but it is often progressive. RI has strongly encouraged all Rotary Clubs to study the CLUB LEADERSHIP PLAN and adopt it as soon as possible. RI does not insist on a structure that is absolute in conformity. It has suggested some flexibility to suit the various clubs. The New Standing Committees reflect a structure that comprises the Club Board at the top with 5 Standing Committees and they are:
1. Club Administration
2. Club Public Relations
3. Membership
4. Service Projects
5. The Rotary Foundation

With this new structure, RI firmly believes that effective clubs are able to:
1. Sustain and increase membership
2. Implement successful service projects
3. Support the Rotary Foundation
4. Develop leaders beyond the Club level

At the Club Assembly on Tuesday, our President Elect presented a proposal that accommodates a somewhat similar structure but with the New Generations Committee and Rotaract parked under the Service Projects. He shares the views with RI in that Rotary can become more dynamic in terms of greater emphases in Club Service Relations and the Rotary Foundation. There was much discussion with regard to the proposed structure, particularly concerns about the number of projects under the Service Standing Committee and the duration of the chairmen for each project. It was generally agreed that the New Generations Committee will now be parked as a Standing Committee like all others. And the PE and VP could be ‘distributed’ in other Standing Committees.

A Task Force comprising PDG David Ho, PDG Dato’ Dr Low Teong, PE Dr Eric Wong, VP Leong Yeng Kit and I has been formed to look into the nitty gritty details of the proposed structure. It will report to the Club in two weeks’ time.

I am indeed glad that our members have taken this proposal in an objective and rational manner. This signals that there is a general acceptance to this change. I thank you all for this.

The article provides an example of a virtual mentoring program being planned by the Rotary E-Club of Latinoamerica. In this club, interested Rotarians will apply to be mentors and the program’s co-ordinators will link them with Rotaractors seeking career guidance. The two people involved in each relationship decide how often to meet virtually and what the parameters of the relationship should be. To get the most out of a mentoring relationship, the mentor and mentee have to have mutual respect and trust, personalities that would normally gravitate towards one another, and an open mind.

Over in the RCPJ, I don’t think there is any mentor-mentee program in place. It would be a good idea to think of one. I have less senior Rotarians who have asked me about matters related to the New Generations Committee. I feel free and pleased to advise because I have been in this committee for more than 10 years. Experience plays an important role. On my part, I have checked with senior Rotarians on Rotary matters when I was the editor of the bulletin some years ago. I had often asked PDG David Ho, among others, on information related to RI. I still do. I don’t consider it a shame or inadequacy to ask other Rotarians. This is perhaps the scenario in the RCPJ. The feedback makes your decisions a more think-through approach, as Socrates said, “I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.”

The PKPS Farm Mart Sdn Bhd or the Cherifish Farm was an extraordinary outing, after a long absence, for Rotarians and Anns. Situated at least 15 km from Rawang town, the fish farm has a sprawling 142-acre spread of flat land. It is a joint venture between the Selangor government and the private sector. This farm only rears tilapia that is classified as a lower-priced fish in restaurants. There are several fish tanks that separate the fish from the various stages of growth. Each tank is able to accommodate 25,000 fish and the fish are auto fed which means that machines are stationed at strategic points to propel the fish pellets into the tanks. Shoals of fish were seen as they scrambled for food. There are black and red tilapia. Red seems to be more common and the tanks have more of them. According to Mr Yong, the gentleman, probably one of the owners, who took us round said that the company sells the fish at RM7.00 per kilo. According to him, the margin of profit is not that great because the feed for the fish keeps going up. But they harvest 50 tons of fish every month. Last year, they received RM3.6 million from the harvest.

On the way home, we were treated to a great durian feast by President Kevin. Thanks to PP Yung Seng Fook’s precise navigation, we were able to locate one of the best durian stalls in Sungai Buloh. About 20 Rotarians, Anns and family members joined in for a fun-filled Saturday. Thanks to you, PP Rupert Goldman for organizing it. 

A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl

Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well until one day he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him.

The lawyer said that getting a divorce would depend on the circumstances, and asked him the following questions:

Have you any grounds?

Yes, an acre and half and nice little home.

No, I mean what is the foundation of this case?

It made of concrete.

I don't think you understand. Does either of you have a real grudge?

No, we have carport, and not need one.

I mean. What are your relations like?

All my relations still in Poland

Is there any infidelity in your marriage?

We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player.

Does your wife beat you up?

No, I always up before her.

Is your wife a nagger?

No, she white.

Why do you want this divorce?

She going to kill me.

What makes you think that?

I got proof.

What kind of proof?

She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in bathroom.

I can read, and it say: 'Polish Remover'