17 Aug 2018 at the Millennium
12:18 lunch was called by SA Gary
Great 4 course lunch (fish or Chicken) table service with a smile.
01:12 Meeting called by SA Gary
Gong by Pres. Karen
see list of attendants (10 Pax) - Karen, Gary, Larry, David, O.B, Walter, Stewart, Johan, Arnaud,
Intro of the Guests: President Karen introduced Guest PDG
David Kennedy from Blayney Club NSW Australia: David thanked the Club for welcoming him and said that he had visited in the past and would come back as well. (
ed note: David joined Rotary in 1995 - president of Bathurst club 1997-98 - (200klms west of Sydney) joined Blayney club in 2006 president 2008-09 District Governor 2014-2015 he is heavily involved in community service)
Club Business requested by P. Karen:
- Feedback from Larry on Water Safety Project: Ban Sai Nam Yen School:
The project was a huge success: 94 out of 98 children received training and are now water safe having past the test and received certificates. The additional measure of the projects success was is supported by the facts that
A. it was a lot of fun for all concerned, B. some of the students got the one on one training if needed and, C. financially things balanced and we have equipment to continue the program. The project needs to honor the high quality self-less service of individuals from 1.) RCoPB (for hosting a dinner and sponsorship), 2.) Rotary Chaing Mai, 3.) The local Dive Club, 4.) PADI certification, 5.) a Group Called Safe Child and 6.) the dive instructors who worked for less than normal fees to help the kids.
Larry A will make a report forthwith --- Rotary Club of Patong Beach owes Larry big time, for his tireless administration and poolside help on this project.
We all are the better for Larry being in our Club.
- Feedback from David on Pay Pal.
The RCOPB Pay Pal account is frozen (actually the account is Woody’s).
Please don’t use the account number at this time.
- Feedback from David on Dental Project:
Over last weekend, RCoPB hosted volunteer dentists to see about the dental hygiene needs of 250 kids at the Banya school facility (Workcamp for children of Myanmar). P.P. David was there and helped in getting the kids in front of the dentists and sorting the required care. Out of the 250 +/- kids seen 150 were actually treated (in the ad hoc onsite operatory) with some dentistry. (the likes of: teeth pulling, cavity filling, etc.) David reports that a lot of dental hygiene was learned and lots of kids were better off for the charitable efforts of all involved. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Tongkla for their big part.
Also, a young girl was seen with a speech impediment caused by an overly attached tongue. (Ankyloglossia) The girls name is Mar Aye and she is being guided for help to Wachira hospital by one, Anchara.
ON the spot at the camp, David donated 3,000Thb to help with the required surgery and the lunch table of charitable Rotarians top that up with 16,000Thb.
Mar Aye will be able to talk normally soon. Yay for Rotary!
- PP Walter for PP Richard re: Food Plates
PP Walter announced on behalf of PP Richard that the divided food plates for the Kamala school are ready to be distributed. Follow your Club Runner for the event date.
- P KAREN introduced a discussion around two issues that some Rotarians are having with the By Laws. The two issues are Dress Code and Attendance. The By Laws allow the Board the discretion to charge fines when either of those By Laws are violated. Recently, the Board actioned some fines and were vocally resented for it.
P.Karen is asking whether the prickly By Laws be agendized and re-voted on at the next Board meeting and/or Club assembly.
The discussion of fines for less than 40% attendance went around the table quickly and found little controversy for the following reasons:
1. It is easy to do makeups, 2. We really want members who are engaged and programs that engage them, 3. The Boards discretion allows that the Board could wield fines with compassion and understanding that there may be special circumstances. (the foregoing is wild paraphrasing of what O.B. heard)
The discussion of fines for dress code violations went around the table quickly and met with more lighthearted responses than fines for attendance.
The consensus seemed to be that our club has always been casual in dress EXCEPT where more formal dress is appropriate like with visiting DG’s, visiting local dignitaries, District Events and when some foreign Rotarians visit. The Club was asked about setting a dress code and it responded by suggesting long pants and no flip flops as a minimum for men. The legislation of fines for those that simply forgot to wear appropriate attire at a given occasion may seem dire. However, it also seems silly for some Rotarians to knowingly wear attire that was voted on by the majority as being inappropriate. To continually challenge a bylaw is a distraction from the Club meetings are supposed to accomplish for the good of others.
Once again, the Board has been given the discretion to fine members for infractions. The prevailing caution seems to be that the Board stay light-hearted and non confrontational in such matters.
(the foregoing is also a paraphrase of what O.B. heard.)
The safe swim and water safety program came to a close last week after ten weeks of intensive lessons for the kids. It was an honor for me, along with P. Karen, Walter, Gary, the Director of the Sai Nam Yen School, Patong Mayor Chalermluck, and several of our instructors, to present certificates of completion of the program to 94 children in the three fifth grade classes at Sai Nam Yen School.
To cap the day, the eight instructors who received a waver of annual dues from PADI donated their 3,000 Baht compensation for their ten weeks of providing training for the kids, to purchase swim goggles for the 94 kids as a present and reminder of the lessons the kids learned regarding water safety.
Of the original 97 children enrolled in the program, only 3 failed to take the final test, and arrangements are being made by our instructors to provide additional training for these kids until they are able to pass the final test.
The Director mentioned that the parents of the children were very supportive of the program and strongly encouraged us to continue it in future years.
Mayor Chalermluck also voiced her support for the program.
One of our instructors made a very professional video of the program which is available on the Club website. Have a look.
It has truly been a privilege for me to have had the opportunity to coordinate the program and see it through to its successful completion.
PP Larry
Friday 31st August 2018 
Friday 17th August 
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