Welcometo the third edition of our monthly Bulletin and to carry on the great tradition of one of our original members, Rtn Denis Carpenter.
This Edition
Denis edited a weekly edition from 14 July 2004 (more about Denis's contribution below).
In this edition, we focus on:
Meeting our new Rotary scholar from the USA
Dinner Out at Novotel, Kata.
District Governor Dr. Chatchawal Telavanich's visit on Friday, 22
Johan's Bowls Bash, 30 September.
Save a Life
Lenses for Learning.
Weekly Meeting 22 August.
Thanks from the Guest Speaker.
Calling all Night Reporters.
Please Help With the Global Grant Application.
A Little Bit of History
Simon's Story
8 August Meeting report
And whatever else comes to mind.
I am a former journalist who now writes novels about bringing all this together once a month. I'm unsure what I did to deserve it, but I'll give it my best Kiwi shot.
Feedback Welcome
I would appreciate feedback on the Bulletin in whatever format you want to deliver it, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Leah Brown is this year's Rotary Youth Exchange student from the Bluffton Rotary Club, a small town in Indiana in the United States.
Sixteen-year-old Leah is currently staying with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Chuchart Nijwatta from the Rotary Club of Tongkah, his wife Khun Phonthise Thongai, and their son "Pooh." After around three months with Dr. Churchart, Leah will stay with Rtn Best, his wife Abel and their son Lincoln. Her final stay is with JP Philips and his wife Shsiho Katsuura.
Leah will return to Bluffton in June next year. She gave a lively and interesting pre8sentation to our 29
August 2023 meeting.
Before the meeting, the Bulletin caught up with Leah to find out more about her, what she expects from her visit to Phuket, her own life ambitions and some of the cultural clashes she has encountered after arriving here from a marathon plane ride on 13 August 2023.
Cultural Clashes
Firstly, the immediate cultural clashes. Apparently, we drive on the wrong (left) side of the road on Phuket, which makes driving a scary experience; Thai people eat with spoons and forks and don't use a knife; and Thai food is a lot more spicey than America's bland fare which led to an early adjustment to Thai cuisine.
School
Then there is the Thai family and school experiences. Leah discovered that it is generally not normal in Thai families to come to breakfast in your pyjamas or to consult your phone in other company continually. Air conditioning is a must because it's so hot here. We are not surprised., Indiana gets to Minus 5 during winter).
At school, Leah has found Thai schools are "kind of crazy and much more fun" than the conservative school she attends in Bluffton, where she is a junior (16-17 years old). She said the Thai students are much more "chatty" in class than her American counterparts, who face strict teacher discipline.
Singing and Public Speaking
School is full-on for this young woman who seems determined to try out many things in life. She sings in the school Acapella choir (choir without music) and loves public speaking. She has excelled in both, coming second in the state competition public speaking competition. Her Acapella group won the state finals and came third in the nationals.
Leah's subject for her public speaking event was "How Social Media Impacts the Economy." She documented how social viral social media posts positively impacted small businesses through targeted marketing. Beauty and health products and, of course, pet toys were the most successful.
Other Activities
Leah speaks Spanish, plays golf (not so well) and also does a little acting. She remains president of her school council, even while away for ten months. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her ambition is to work for the State Department in the diplomatic corps eventually. She says," I am very passionate about creating peace. There are so many polarizing approaches to different problems; there needs to be people in the middle."
Leah observes that through lack of education, many people are uninformed about contemporary issues such as gender equality.
Persistence Pays Off
Leah's road to Phuket came through persistence after she discovered the Rotary Youth Exchange programme was available. Neither of her parents is a Rotarian. To obtain the Bluffton Rotary Club's attention, she emailed every member not once but twice. Her persistence paid off. To raise money for the exchange, Leah worked as a lifeguard at the town pool.
Since arriving on Phuket--bearing a case full of confectionary for her new family member, Pooh--Leah has begun learning Thai; has attended a youth exchange weekend at Hua Hin and adopted the nickname of Lea, given to her by her Thai family.
As one Rtn remarked after Leah's accomplished speech to our Club: "That young lady is going to go a long way."
Welcome Leah.
Board Meeting
29th August 2023
Our Board usually meets monthly to discuss club business and make necessary decisions. President Walter gave a short update about various issues and information received by the district.
Attending this board meeting was President Walter, 1. VP Hans (by Zoom), 2. VP Cabbie, Secretary Anand, PE & PI Chair, Frank, IPP Best, Membership Chair PP David, Admin Chair Joe, SPC Chair Bill, and Dr. Johand as members.
The picture shows our members come well prepared to the meeting and the meeting is in a good mood.
The Board unanimously approved Mr. Sampong Kongdoung, also called Khun Yod, the partner of the late PP Arnaud, an honorary club member.
IPP Best gave the Board an update about our first Youth Exchange student, Leah Brown. The Board also approved spending THB 10,000 Happy Hundred funds towards the "Lawn Bowling Club Party" organized by Dr. Johan on September 30th
SPC Chair Bill gave us an overview of the completed projects, learning to swim and eyeglasses for children and
As the treasurer, PP Sam, didn't attend the meeting, the Board noted the financial statement provided by the treasurer.
Admin Chair said he tries to have one member per month giving a speech as "Who Am I" so our members get to know each other better.
PI Chair Frank informed us about the new "Todd Swimming Around Phuet Island " fundraiser event. The proceeds of that fundraiser are going to the Rotary Club of Patong Beach, and the Board has approved supporting that fundraising event—a great thanks to PE Frank, who already invested a lot of time with Todd. The event is planned to take off in early 2024.
PE Frank also welcomed Alastair as the new bulletin editor.
Dr. Johan volunteered to take over the vacant position of Foundation Chair, and the Board unanimously approved that. Welcome to the Board again, Dr. Johan.
The meeting adjourned at 19:00, the next board meeting was set for September 26th
Dinner-Out
5 September 2023
Organized by: Alex Longman
Location: Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa
Registration: Sign in at reception to be directed to the venue.
The resort is in Kata, along Soi Lam Sai, off the main road going south, No 4030. It's quite a drive, so members may want to share vans for this one.
International Buffet Dinner menu
Appetizer
Seasonal market greens Leave, salad bar, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, traditional fresh vinaigrette, Creamy purple cabbage slaw with toasted sunflower seeds, and German style potato salad with fines herb.
Som Tum
Young papaya salad with roast peanut tomatoes garlic lime string bean fish sauce dry shrimp palm sugar. Larb Gai. Slice grilled Chicken mint leave ground herb, rice, shallot, fish sauce, lime juice, scallion, roast chili.
Soup
Tom Kha gai. Galangal and lemon grass coconut milk soup with mushroom, Kaffir lime chicken, shallot chili oil
Main
White Snapper with Mediterranean roast vegetable and braise Kale.
Roasted Sriracha chicken with rosemary and shallot sauce
Hokkian noodle Vegetable
Green Vegetable Thai curry
Cajun Roasted Potatoes
Steamed rice, Bread rolls.
Dessert
Kluai buat chi (Banana in coconut milk); Lemon Tart, Coconut panacotta, Crunchy Chocolate cake; 2 Types Seasonal fruit.
Here's a Little Marketing Information About the Venue.
District Governor's Visit: Dr Chatchawal Telavanich
The annual visit by the District Governor for District 3330 year 2023-2024 will be made at our club on Friday, 22 September 2023.
Please keep in mind the date: Friday, 22 September 2023.
The purpose of Dr. Chatchawal Telavanich's visit is to:
allow him to communicate face-to-face with our members;
Be a counsellor and give advice on the objects of Rotary and to guide the clubs in this regard where required;
to motivate Rotarians to take part in service activities;
to bring attention to Rotary issues affecting our club and the district;
and to recognise the contributions of Rotarians to their clubs.
Club Assembly
We will also hold a Club Assembly during the District Governor's visit.
The purpose of a Club Assembly is to share information with Club members, identify issues and discuss future plans. This assembly is focusing on the remaining Rotary year.
For discussion at the GA are:
A financial overview by the Treasurer.
General Update/Overview by the President
A Discussion on how to use Happy Hundred funds.
Discussion & decision on whether we want to have a new club shirt and club Jacket
Update by all committee chairs
An official invitation with the final agenda shall be sent at least ten days prior to the meeting to all club members.
The club assembly is a members-only event without guests attending.
Meeting Report
29 August, 2023
Notes from 29 Aug Rotary meeting from Rtn Joe: A Good Turn Out.
A good turnout of 26 members and guests. Cabbie was SAA and Joe the night scribe. PP Best Introduced our speaker, Rotary Youth Exchange student from the USA, Leah Brown. PP David thanked the speaker. Several people took photos.
Visitors with no last names included, Scott a photographer, Chris, frank’s friend, Harry from Austria, Leah’s host family, and Best’s new #1 son, while his brother is in Frankfurt on a Rotary Exchange scholarship, Lincoln.
The meeting was loudly gonged opened with vigour by President Walter.
Club Business
Induction of Roberto Turcato, a new member from Italy
Welcome to the Club Roberto
Mark calendar 30 September, for Kamala Lawn Bowling Club party to celebrate our club's work, organized by Rtn Johan. Please contact Johan if you wish to attend with your family, and if you wish to invite other Rotarians.
Regular 19 September meeting moved to Friday, 22 September(not a Tuesday) as District Governor will attend and we will also hold a Club assembly.
Charities Update
Frank is coordinating the ‘Swim around the Island’ fundraiser. Work is progressing on the Global Grant for Lenses for Learning. We may already have two international clubs willing to contribute. The Save a Life Swim programme concluded with EVERY one of the 311 children taking part passing (see separate story below).
Speaker: Leah Brown.
Our speaker was Leah Brown, an exchange student from Buffton in Indiana, USA who Rotary in Thailand is hosting along with fifteen other young students. Leah impressed us with her background. She is an accomplished singer and public speaker. Her speech skills were displayed tonight as she told her story from childhood to this very moment.
- Gong closed
Potluck Lunch and Lawn Bowling
PARTY 2023
Roll Up, Roll Up to the Bowling Green
Mark 3.30 pm on Saturday, 30 September, in your diary for a bit of Rotary fun to roll a bowl down at the Kamala Lawn Bowling Club.
Johan needs to know who is coming--if you are a current Rotarian and if you are inviting a former Rotarian or Rotarian from another club.
We have added the event to our Event Calendar on the website, and you will receive an invitation. Please register yourself and your family as quickly as possible, as Dr. Johand needs to know the number of participants.
Rtn Johan has booked the Club, organized the funds, booked the local Thai band, polished up the bowling balls, and organized the Bratwurst and the BBQ, Sangria, Beer, Jack-Daniels, and soft drinks.
And it won't cost you a cent.
But
Please bring your own "Pot Luck" food as well—things like salads potato salad, that goes with a BBQ.
Here's an example of the type of food that comes to a potluck event:
Pimento potato salad. ...
Pasta dishes
Garlic bread
Buffalo wings
Other types of salads.
That's the American version, but we will take Pot Luck from any nationality's cuisine (Thai you Thai club members?). The main thing is that we have fun bowling, eating, and drinking.
Thank You Happy 100
Thank the Happy Hundred baht note you pay each week to celebrate or recognize a joyous event. Why shouldn't those many happy hundreds you donated not be used to pat ourselves on the back occasionally?
As Johan says: "Our Rotary Club supports, assists, and donates to charitable causes continuously. Now and then, we need to treat ourselves and take care of our members. Charity starts at home, and home is right here, in our Club."
(Note: Johan is personally generously supporting this event).
Who Should Come?
In this case, at the Kamala Lawn Bowling Club. All Johan needs now are current Rotarians, past Rotarians, and future Rotarians interested in joining us and their families and partners to come along to face either utter humiliation on the bowling green or to watch the utter humiliation while nursing a nice drink and munching on a hamburger.
All Facilities Available Free
Khun Nid, the Kamala Bowling Club owner and a good friend of our Club, has generously agreed to make all facilities (the lawn, bowls, tables, chairs, fridges, eating utensils, plates, ice, and whatever else needed) to make it a great day. Some of you will recall the last event at the Club, which was enjoyed by all.
So, all you need to do is bring yourself and your family/partners some potluck food (salads, potato salad, garlic bread, etc.), especially deserts.
Directions
Directions to Kamala Lawn Bowling Club. Coming from the South heading north out of Kamala, turn right down the road just before Fantasea. Coming from the north, the first turn left after Fantasea. Proceed down the road, past the Swedish Bakery on your left, until you see Il Giardino Restaurant, a large, old building on your left. Down the narrow soi beside the restaurant, Kamala Lawn Bowling Club is 100 meters on your left.
The Save a Life Swim Program was completed on 28 Aug 23, with 311 students participating and passing the test.
Rtns Nicha and Bill spent their first year with the program, coordinating with schools, pools, and instructors all over the island. They have so many people helping with the project to thank:
JD Pool and Kathu District Swimming Pool for donating their pools for FREE!
Chiang Mai International Rotary Club for financing the Banya Swim Project.
Aloha Diving for donating the services of Mona to provide instruction!
Dennis Volkoff donated his time to help the instructors in the pool and gain instructing experience! This was helpful in getting an instructor position at Oak Meadow International School.
The instructor team - Ton, Che, Deaw, Kiet, Nuey and Bun.
Rotarian support for Cabbie, Dr. Larry, Shio, JP and Pascal.
Of course the wonderful students from all the schools!
The 10-week program officially started on 7 June 2023.
Scary Experiences
Bill explains what it was like to work on the programme.
"The students had many experiences, a few traumatized by near-drowning events to be able to swim. We start out with water familiarization by pool entry/exit, head underwater blow bubbles, front and back float, roll front to back and back to front, float w/ device, rope toss and extend sticks, face down swim, back swim and switch. Then, the test, kick 5 meters in a
streamlined position and turn around to get back to the side of the pool, float with a plastic bottle, use a kickboard to kick 5 meters and turn around, and a 5-metre doggie paddle swim turn around in the middle of the pool and get back to the side of the pool."
"The transformation from the first day to the last day is amazing to watch! Everyone involved in the program enjoys the trust and community we build."
Important Lesson
The most important lesson is knowing your limitations around water and learning how to save someone. We emphasize the importance of staying safe and calm. In an emergency, call for HELP, say someone is drowning and try to GET THE VICTIM ANYTHING THAT FLOATS. There are usually many plastic bottles available.
Completion
School completion dates and number of students:
23 Aug 2023: 51 Ban Pa Krongchip, 14 Ban Laem Sai and 31 Wat Mueang Mai at JD Pool and Factory Training Center (near the airport)
25 Aug 2023: 86 Sai Nam Yen
28 Aug 2023: 59 Wat Thepnimit 30 Kathu Municipal School 2 at Kathu District Swimming Pool
29 May to 2 June 2023: 40 Banya Literacy Center Swimming Camp at JD Pool and Factory Training Center.
"The children's favourite snack is Nax Nax Chocolate Cookies! You can not find enough of them in the stores."
Well, Bill, Nicha and everyone else who supported this amazing programme, have a Nax Nax on yourselves for a job well done.
Another Handover of Eyeglasses
Our Lenses for Learning project kept rolling along on Friday, 18 August, when Rtn Bill attended a ceremony at Kathu Wittaya School, Kathu, to present 59 eyeglasses to the students there.
So far, we have provided glasses to the following schools:
Sai Nam Yen, 51 pairs
Mueang Phuket, 118 pairs
Kathu Witthaya, 59 pairs
On 3 August, 118 pairs of glasses were presented at PPAO Muang Phuket School.
Rotary Club of Patong Beach has worked with Top Charoen Optical, which has a dedicated staff of seven, on this project.
Identifying the eligible students involves a comprehensive process involving screening the children to assess who needs eyeglasses. The main goal was to provide essential eyewear to underprivileged students, enhancing their academic and social experiences.
Global Grant
The next step for the Patong Beach Rotary Club to help students needing glasses is a Global Grant. Rotarian Joe has sent out an email with specifics about our request. The club has committed $16,000 in District Designated Funds and $12,800 World Fund Match to get this grant request started.
We also require at least $2,900 USD from international partners to meet the Global Grant funding requirement. If you know of any club from a different country please contact them and request a donation. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Bill of Joe (joe.gerardi@gmail.com and trempusw@gmail.com).
228 pairs of eyeglasses have been distributed since we contacted Sai Nam Yen School on 18 May 23. We estimate the Global Grant will do at least 1200 more.
Grateful Comments
The Bulletin asked Bill to collect some comments from students who have received their glasses.
Here are some examples. In each case, the student adds their thanks to our Club and to Top Charoen Optical:
"Grateful for the clear sight and clearer support. Thank you for the gift of these glasses."
"Vision goes beyond eyesight; it's seeing care in gestures. Thank you for the gift of better vision."
"Through these lenses, I see not just better, but the care you have for us."
"A clearer world and a grateful heart.:
"Framing gratitude for the management--your gift of glasses has brought focus to my work and heart."
"Seeing kindness clearly."
"In every frame, I see your support."
"Eyes wide open to your generosity."
"Grateful for the clear direction you've given us, both in work and sight."
Please follow this link to watch the photo album for that event.
Please Help Lenses for Learning
Rtns Joe and Bill want to spread the word to other Rotary clubs to support our Club's pending application for a Global Grant to help the Lenses for Learning project. Here's the request sent out on Saturday, 26 August 2023.
We're just requesting your help with our pending Global Grant request for money to further the Lenses for Learning project. As part of the request, we need to find one or more international clubs to fund a small part of the grant amount.
We would appreciate it if you could use your contacts and relationships with other clubs to help spread the word.
I've attached a PDF explaining the program and why we need other clubs to help us, as well as a generic introduction letter that can be edited and sent to clubs with which you have knowledge or relationships.
Thank you for all your help and recommendations to date!
Weekly Meeting August 22, 2023
Meeting Chair: President Walter Wyler
Participants: 15 Members and 2 guests
SAA: Rtn Simon
An initial meeting was held with exchange student Leah Brown to get acquainted and review the ‘rules’ of being an exchange student. Leah will present to the club about her experiences to date.
OB said the Club would benefit from a fundraiser on 2 September at Slate Resort, where paintings by well-known Bangkok architect and painter Bill Bensley will be auctioned. A dining and entertainment show will also feature at the event.
Lenses for learning helped children at the Witthaya School to the tune of 59 pairs of glasses. A ceremony was held presided over by VP Cabbie with Bill, Nicha, Joe, Aon, and PP Best attending.
OB mentioned that we need more projects to direct our fundraising money towards. More Rotarians could be engaged if we had active projects. Any member can suggest projects to the board. Please do so. We can’t be People of Action if we don’t have things to act on!
Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker was Daniele Bassi, an IT analyst who has established an Algae farm making Spirulina at Pak Lok. Daniele went through the process of making Spirulina, a microalgae that contains extraordinary amounts of protein, is a powerful antitoxin, lowers the risk of stroke and can boost memory and energy.
Visitor Tal Eli, from Israel, attended a second meeting and Nadia, from France, announced she was joining after attending three meetings. We are delighted to welcome Nadia and Tal to the club.
Happy Hundred raised b1500, some of which went to pay for our speaker's dinner.
Based on Deni's advice, here are a few observations for the outstanding Rotarians who regularly get involved in reporting on our meetings for the Bulletin.
The "night reporter" at each meeting should furnish their report immediately. This mainly applied to the weekly Bulletin, but it would be helpful for the monthly version.
Within 48 hours of each meeting would be reasonable.
Denis's research showed that of 35 members, only eight or nine people opened it up to have a look.
A monthly bulletin doesn't have the pressure on it that Denis had each week, so we really want our members to use the extra time we have with a monthly bulletin to supply us with information, and photographs (preferably by email if possible for production purposes).
He reported that some photographs were terrific shots of the ceiling and half a person. He omits Nicha in that observation. She takes great photos.
Vanessa, Cabbie, Joe, Anand and Tim also get a thumbs up for their "night reporting."
Thank you to these Pulitzer Prize winning reporters on behalf of the club. Communication is a key ingredient of making our club work for everyone.
THE FAROESE CHRONICLE LIVE ON STAGE
Our club will benefit from the proceeds of an event on The Slate resort at Nai Yang beach on Saturday, 2 September 2023, where paintings by renowned Bangkok architect Bill Bensley, and inventive art pieces by Phuket’s John Underwood will be auctioned off.
The event starts at 7 p.m. and includes a full live production of a specially arranged stage production of The Faroese Chronicle from John Underwood’s popular Junkyard Theatre troupe of young Thais.
Proceeds to Our Club
John Underwood has promised a portion of the proceeds to the Club to support our charities. Thank you, Rtns OB and David, for your work on this.
Bill Bensley has designed some of the world’s great hotels, but now he devotes much of his time to producing colourful, eclectic paintings that are in great demand. Six of his paintings will be auctioned.
Excellent Resort Prizes.
John Underwood will auction two of his highly creative mechanical wine openers plus an intricate mosaic table. Rtn Alastair has donated a caricature of Bill Bensley, with the proceeds going to our club. The silent auction also has many excellent offers on resort stays.
Members are encouraged to get a party together to support this worthy charitable event.
Tickets are B4500++pp, welcome reception, Thai set dinner, + glass of sparkling wine.
B6500++pp for welcome reception, Thai set dinner + half bottle of wine or bottle for every booking of two seats.
A Little Bit of History
Launching this third edition of the monthly Bulletin is worth spending a little time remembering from whence we came.
PP David wrote a fitting tribute to Denis's contribution to the Bulletin from that first weekly edition on July 14, 2004.
On that day, a count of the 25 members finds five still members today: David Arell, OB Wetzell, Best Wanamakok, Denis Carpenter and Sam Fauma. Well, you did, guys, for your 19 years of service. None of you looks any worse for the experience, apart from a possible change in body shape and being challenged in the hirsute department!!
Denis's sense of humour always shone through in his Bulletins. Our club has a tradition these days of telling jokes at our meetings. Maybe Denis started this trend. His first edition had these real answers from children to the following questions: Q. What is a fibula? A. It's a small lie. Q. What does the word "benign" mean? A. What will you be like after eight? They aren't great but they are better than some I've heard in two meetings.
That first Bulletin also included a message for then Rotary International William B. Boyd encouraging Rotarians to "Lead the Way" in 2006-07. He happened to be a New Zealander, so it seemed appropriate for Michael Massey, a former member and Kiwi, to lead the way in a Māori haka at a special combined meeting on 7 July 2004 at the changeover and installation night of that year. David Arell looked terrific in a blue shirt, red tie and Māori grass skirt. Good on you for giving it a go, David; the haka is not easy.
Our monthly Bulletins can continue Denis's work, as noted by David in his tribute, to foster a strong sense of community, bridge global gaps, synchronize with district officers, advise on meeting schedules and guest speakers, entertain, uplift and educate.
Please look at Denis' first Bulletin, which he produced on July 14, 2004; click here.
Simon's Big Night
And while on the subject of our evening gatherings...
Simon Wenk, our youngest member, was unexpectedly thrust into the momentous role of Sergeant At Arms at our 15 August 2023 meeting.
Once he got over the shock of the experience, the Bulletin asked Simon and his wife, Rtn Alice Voneschen, to tell us a bit more about themselves, to reflect on the role and, more importantly, what Rotary means to them.
Simon
I was born in 1987 in the city of Basel, Switzerland, a place known for housing major pharmaceutical companies. After completing my apprenticeship as a mechanic, I briefly worked in the maintenance department of the pharmaceutical industry. However, my aspirations led me to take a different path. I decided to leave Switzerland behind to transform my passion into a profession.
For the next two years, I embarked on a journey as a scuba diving instructor, traveling to various destinations. Eventually, the time came to find a place to settle down, and that's when I discovered Phuket. The island seemed to offer all the elements for a fulfilling life, including the opportunity to earn a living through scuba diving. I've been living in Phuket for the past nine years.
Rotary Connection
My connection with Rotary began over two years ago when I received an invitation from Past President Dieter to be a guest speaker at one of the Rotary meetings. After attending a few meetings, I found myself drawn to the vibrant and diverse atmosphere that these gatherings offered. The multicultural audience and the shared values of Rotary resonated with me.
Climate Change
In my day-to-day work, I directly witness the impacts of climate change, which has strengthened my appreciation for Rotary International's prioritization of environmental protection. Despite my relatively young age, I've been a Rotary member for almost two years, making me the current youngest in the club.
On the Job
After a few weeks of absence from the weekly meetings, I finally returned, only to find myself unexpectedly appointed as the Sergeant-at-Arms (SAA) for the meeting. I had no preparation time, but fortunately, the crowd wasn't too large, and I was familiar with most of the attendees. Although I felt a bit nervous, having a checklist helped me maintain the meeting's order and keep track of time. I'm grateful for the support and guidance I received from fellow members throughout the evening.
Reflecting on the experience, I believe that with more opportunities, I could grow into the role of SAA quickly. The unexpected appointment turned out to be a valuable learning experience that showcased the strong sense of community and teamwork within our Rotary club.
Alice
I joined Simon on his journey and founded a dive centre in Phuket in 2014. After establishing ourselves, I became a member of the Rotary Club, a decision made nearly two years back. My intention behind joining was to connect with individuals who shared similar interests and possessed a strong educational background, all while contributing positively to the local community during my leisure hours. The prospect of networking also played a significant role in my motivation to join.
A big thanks to all who contributed content to this bulletin
Birthdays
Member Birthdays
Anand Pankaj
September 6
Andy Molnar
September 13
Dieter Dratwa
September 16
Pascal De Corte
September 25
Gordon R. McInally
RI President
Scotland
Chatchawal Telavanich
District Governor 3330
RC Samut Sakhon
Walter Wyler
President
RC Patong Beach
The Rotary Club of Patong Beach is a multicultural organization with members fromf 19 different nations
Welcome to the third edition of our monthly Bulletin and to carry on the great tradition of one of our original members, Rtn Denis Carpenter. 
Here's a Little Marketing Information About the Venue.
