crossroads vol_51_is… · hairman, ipp dr shahul hameed to announce the lubs 11 th approved global...

C rossroads Rotary

e-bulletin published by Rotary Club of Singapore Proud of our Heritage, Committed to our Future

Chartered 6thJune 1930 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for Best Bulletin in District 3310

Volume 51 Issue No. 20

17 November 2014

8 MARK YOUR DIARY

What’s ahead? Don’t miss

the forthcoming events and

Birthday / Anniversary

celebrants and more…

4 LAST WEEK

Report on our Wednesday,

12 November

1 IN FOCUS

Boys’ Town Visit – An

Event To Remember

Boys’ Town Photo Wall

1 | C r o s s r o a d s

An e-bulletin published by Rotary Club of Singapore – Proud of our Heritage, Committed to our Future email: [email protected] Website: www.rotary.org.sg Save our Forests! Save Paper - Print only if absolutely necessary.

In Focus

BOYS’ TOWN VISIT – AN EVENT TO REMEMBER By: PP Raymon Huang A change? A first? A shift? “Yes” on the first two counts. “No, not quite” on the third. Our Luncheon Meeting of 29 October 2014 held at The Art Restaurant, Boys’ Town, was indeed a change – a nice change. And indeed too, it was the first time we held it there. But it was not a shift as such from our usual Luncheon Meeting venue. The Art Restaurant is Boys’ Town’s own outfit. Considering the distance from the city, the member-turnout was good.

We were in Boys’ Town primarily to visit The Patrick Hernon Gym, which the Club donated, and the Leow Jwee Meng Library which the family of the late PP Leow Jwee Meng donated. Our tour of the facilities revealed a Library well-stocked with reference and other books, and a fair sized Gym surprisingly well-equipped with the latest exercise machines. We toured the other facilities of the institution as well. All in all a very fascinating and refreshing tour. Mrs Daisy Leow was with us. Deputy Director Dr Roland Yeow conducted the tour and did the briefing, while Executive Director Irene Loi was on hand throughout, filling in where necessary.

The Art Restaurant is run by Boys’ Town’s trainees in the hospitality industry, supervised by senior staff. The fare served was good. It was evident that all present enjoyed it. We know, of course, that Boys’ Town takes into its fold many “youths at risk” and doing a really good job. A notable living example is its Deputy Director, Roland. He was, in his own words, “a wayward teenager”. Boys’ Town changed all that. He made good – more than just good – and went on to obtain a PhD. He is back at Boys’ Town to “pay back what it did for me.” Very inspiring.

From right: Mdm Halimah Yacob, Rtn Jan Rosemeyer, Pres Perlita, PP Raymon Huang, Ms Irene Loi

The plaque at Boys’ Town Library

Good attendance at the meeting held in Art Restaurant

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rotary-Club-of-Singapore/97500804758

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For the benefit of the newer members, the following is a background brief: The Patrick Hernon Trust Fund was set up with an initial donation of S$20,000 by Mrs Rosalie Hernon, in memory of her late husband, Patrick, with the purpose of helping needy and deserving students to get vocational training. She said “At the beginning, we gave the Vocational Training & Industrial Board (VITB) annual sums. When the VITB closed down soon after, we switched to Boys’ Town.” This was over 20 years ago. My association with the late Patrick Hernon dated back to 1949 when he was my lecturer. Then we became colleagues as teachers and later as Rotarians. The Patrick Hernon Gym was our Major Project during the presidency of PP Tapan Rao. We gave Boys’ Town S$84,261.43, which included a generous donation of S$25,000 from Allianz SE Reinsurance. “I was glad I proposed Boys’ Town for our Major Project,” says PP Tapan who was close to the Gabrielite brothers in India as a school boy. The Hernon family was present: Mrs Hernon, daughter Deirdre, and two grandchildren. On behalf of her mother, Deirdre thanked the Club for its dedication and diligence in administering the Fund all these years. She described her late father as “an educationist who believed that every child deserved an education or a training skill that would help him live in dignity. Exactly what the Fund was for.

Madam Halimah Yacob, the Honourable Speaker of Parliament and our Honorary Member was our guest speaker for the lunch. She spoke on “The Continuing Work for the Community in Singapore”, a most relevant topic. She highlighted a few areas of some concern: “Youth at risk” cases in Jurong West, and the high community needs of the Jalan Kukoh area. In her illustrations, some surprising facts came to light. In Jurong West alone, there were some “36,000 ‘youth-at-risk’ cases”. The figure did not just elicit great surprise, it evoked great concern. The case of the rather isolated communities at Jalan Kukoh was equally a great cause for sympathy. We have, ever so

often, heard it said “there are not many poor people in affluent Singapore”. Wrong!

In Focus

In the Patrick Hernon Gym (from left): PP Raymon, VP Joseph Chia, Pres. Perlita, Mdm Halimah, Mrs Deirdre Loy, PP Tapan Rao, Rtn T K Chew,

Mrs. Rosalie Hernon (seated)

Arrival of the Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Mdm Halimah Yacob





In her talk, Madam Halimah had a refreshing approach in the topic she broached. She wittingly interwove Rotary’s Principles, the 4-Way Test, and the social needs in Singapore, as well as the Club’s continuing support of social institutions. She pinpointed the Rotary Family Service Centre and the NTUC Rotary Silver Circle Eldercare Centre as examples, stressing the significance of Rotary’s contribution to the social service landscape in Singapore. It was an expression of appreciation. She also touched on the issue and concern of our ageing population, and “the first waves of the silver tsunami.” While the government provides a great deal of the hardware, the community must continue to chip in with the “heartware”. Madam Halimah quoted a well-known Rotary statement – “he profits most who serves best” – made by Rotarian Arthur Seldon. She likewise quoted a very interesting and meaningful Malay proverb – “Sehari selembar benang, lama-lama jadi kain. Sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit” which translates “a thread woven eventually becomes a cloth, and a little effort in time makes a hill.” A colourful illustration of what continuing community work can achieve – weaving a beautiful fabric of care, and building a mountain of good. It was a comprehensive talk on a subject that is closest to our heart. Madam Halimah expressed the hope that the two areas of concern she highlighted – the Jurong West “youth-at-risk”

and the community needs at Jalan Kukoh – could be considered as one of our annual Major Projects.

In Focus

A group photo of the Rotary family and friends at Boys’ Town





INTRODUCTORY REMARKS Acting Sergeant-at-Arms, Director Rtn Keith Harrison called the meeting to order and invited President Perlita to take the Chair. President Perlita cordially welcomed the Guest Speaker, Ms Lorraine Lim, Administrator and Counsellor of Star Shelter to the meeting, as well as members, Rtns Dr Ekkehard Wiek and Moshood Olaniyan, recently back from their long overseas trips. WELCOME OF GUESTS AND VISITING ROTARIANS

Duty of welcoming Guests of members and Visiting Rotarians fell to Rtn Adnan Ansari: Guests: Speaker, Ms Lorraine Lim Ms Mamta Shahani (daughter of our late PP Manik) Ms Shefali Bhangav Ms Raksha Sukhia Mr Alex Siow Dr Randey Mr Andreas Duerst

Visiting Rotarian: Stacy McCarthy – Seattle 4, USA Lena Salim – Auckland, New Zealand Ingmar Burgardt – Jurong Town 11th APPROVED GLOBAL GRANT President Perlita called upon the Club Rotary Foundation Committee Chairman, IPP Dr Shahul Hameed to announce the Club’s 11th approved Global Grant (GG). IPP Shahul advised that the GG was for a livelihood project to assist the villagers in Carigara, Philippines devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, the first GG of the 4 applications submitted for the Philippines. Coincidentally, IPP Shahul added, the approval was received on the anniversary date of the Typhoon. He acknowledged the assistance rendered by Rotary Club of Rizal West, whose Honorary Members were PP Dr Oliver Hennedige and President Perlita. IPP Shahul advised that the project worth was US$45,500 with US$10,000 from DDF (District Designated Fund). He added that with the efforts of Rtn Caroline Doyen-Tiger, clubs in District 1660 would be contributing US$17,000 towards the project and would also facilitate for another US$17,000 making the total contribution to US$34,000. He expressed his thanks to District 1660 and Rtn Caroline for this substantial contribution to this project.

Last Week

Last Week – Report on the Wednesday Meeting – 12th November 2014

Adnan Ansari

IPP Dr Shahul Hameed





Rtn Mark Wang presents a banner he received from RCBeijing

Rtn Jan Rosemeyer exchanging a banner at Rotary Club of Bremen on 3

rd Nov

Pres Perlita hands a Club banner to Rtn Lena

TOAST TO ROTARY INTERNATIONAL Rtn Willi Hess invited visiting Rtn Lena Salim from Rotary Club of Auckland. He added that she was thinking of moving to Singapore and was looking for a position in the IT industry. Rtn Lena advised that the Auckland club was the first club formed there and was second largest club with 130 members. Rtn Lena advised that she was a member of only six months, and her club had a small portion of lady members. Rtn Willi called on members to join him in raising a toast to the Rotary Club of Auckland, coupled with the toast to Rotary International. EXCHANGE OF BANNERS

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING FOUNDATION OF ROTARY CLUBS (SINGAPORE) LTD. Further to her announcement last week, President Perlita announced that the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Foundation of Rotary Clubs (Singapore) Ltd (FRCS) held on 6th November 2014 was adjourned due to the change in wording of the M&A amendment and clarification being sought on the legal issue.

Last Week

Rtn Willi Hess with Rtn Lena Salim





CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP – 16TH DECEMBER President Perlita was pleased to announce that Rtn Mohan and Kawita Vaswani have graciously agreed to host the Club’s Christmas Fellowship at their residence at 11 Ewart Park on Tuesday, 16th December 2014. She further advised that following tradition, the four Service Committees and the Club’s Extraordinary General Meeting would also be held then, as the expected quorum would likely be met. President Perlita advised that the Notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting and the proposed Resolutions pertaining to the management of Club’s investments would be sent to members shortly. She added that another Resolution would also be forwarded for the adoption of proxy and email voting, pending clarification to be sought from Rotary International. INVITATION FROM CLUB HEAL

President Perlita advised that an invitation was received from Club HEAL, for the launch of their recovering patient Suf Supiani’s album “SOLITUDE” which would be held on 15th November from 3pm to 5pm at the Lee Foundation Theatre, 80 Bencoolen Street. She advised that Suf Supiani was diagnosed with panic attacks, severe anxieties and agoraphobia and because of his condition; he lost his job and house. Despite his setbacks, President Perlita advised that Suf had overcome his challenges. President Perlita added Club HEAL is the first beneficiary of our Club’s Global Grant. She called on members’ support for this beneficiary.

DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENT President Perlita announced that the District Nominating Committee, chaired by PDG Dr Wu Dar Ching, selected PP Datuk Lee Chuen Wan from Rotary Club of Likas Bay for District Governor for Rotary Year 2017-2018. CONGRATULATIONS PP STAN!

President Perlita was pleased to announce that PP Stan Low was celebrating 30 years of service in Rotary, and sent her heartiest congratulations and best wishes for another 30 years to come!

Last Week





Speaker, Ms Lorraine Lim

Rtn Caroline Doyen-Tiger presents the Club’s gifts to Ms Lim

President Perlita called upon Rtn Shamin Vaswani to introduce the Guest Speaker, Ms Lorraine Lim. Rtn Shamin advised that Ms. Lim received her Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) from the National University of Singapore in 1996 and completed her Master in Social Science (Counselling) from the University of South Australia in 2008. She was a volunteer at various homes and in 2011 joined Star Shelter as the Administrator and Counsellor. Prior to the start of her presentation, Ms Lim spoke of how she was moved to tears at the abuse the women and children endured for so many years, but also admired their resilience and had always looked upon them as survivors. Hence, the title of her talk “I Survived! Rebuilding the Lives of Survivors of Family Violence”.

Ms Lim gave an overview of Star Shelter, a temporary refuge for women and children who were survivors of violence. She gave a profile of the residents by age, nationality, education level and monthly income. Ms Lim informed members of the Shelter’s

Rebuild Programme which was first collaborated with Body Shop about 5 years ago, which was now in need of replenishment. She advised that the Programme would help more residents with a “Home Start-up Fund” and “Back-On-My-Feet Fund” which would also include vocational training. She added that the needy and deserving families would be assessed by counsellors. At the end of her presentation, Ms Lim graciously answered the queries posed to her by members. (A copy of Ms Lim’s presentation is available from the Secretariat.) President Perlita invited Rtn Caroline Doyen-Tiger to extend the Club’s vote of thanks to Ms Lim. Rtn Caroline noted that violence at home was a tragic subject and unfortunately more

common and terrible than anything imaginable. She added that Ms Lim’s presentation

communicated the importance of the work at Star Shelter for those women and children. Rtn Caroline quoted Past RI President Bhichai Rattakul, who said “I believe we can change the world, one life at a time. No project is too small, especially to those who benefit. My hope is that these seeds of service will blossom and live on for countless generations to come.” She warmly thanked Ms Lim for her presentation and presence at the meeting and felt sure that the Club would be sensitive to her noble cause.

Speaker: Ms Lorraine Lim, Administrator and Counsellor, Star Shelter

Topic: “I Survived! Rebuilding the Lives of Survivors of Family Violence”

Last Week





Queries, comments and articles request can be sent to [email protected]

Mark Your Diary

RC sends Birthday greetings to celebrant this week:

19

th November – Narayan

Subramanian

26th

November 2014

Reception Desk duty: Dir Suresh Keerthi, Jasbir Koh Sunshine Box duty: Loo Lian Wee, Hassan Moosa Speaker: Ms Pia Bruce, Executive Director, Singapore Committee for UN Women (formerly UNIFEM) Topic: “Mission UN Women”

November Rotary Foundation Month 21

st November

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award Presentation Gala Dinner 19

th – 21

stNovember

KK Rotary Institute Training Seminar 21

st – 23

rdNovember

KK Rotary Institute 29

th November

Rotary Day Eye Screening at NUH

December Family Month 22

nd December 7 pm

Inter-city dinner with RI President Gary Huang at Waterfront Ballroom, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Book now!

February World Understanding Month 25

th February

Inter-city dinner in celebration of World Understanding & Peace Day at Pan Pacific

Coming Rotary Events

Date: Thursday, 27

th November

Time: 7.30pm Venue: To be advised Hosts: To be advised

Youth Service

RC sends best wishes to Wedding Anniversary celebrants this week:

23rd

November – PDG Dr Ivor &

Maureen Thevathasan

24th

November – Deepak & Bianca

Nagrani, Dr Devakumar & Ika Nair

International Service

Anniversary Celebrants

Date: Thursday, 20th

November Time: 7.30pm Venue: The Colonial @ Scotts, 31A Scotts Road, S228243 Hosts: Dinesh Sharma, Alex Lega,

Deepu Joseph, Rewa Mirpuri, PP Dr

Winston Oh, PDG Dr Ivor

Thevathasan

Birthday Celebrants

This Week

Next Week

19th

November 2014

Reception Desk duty: PP Dr Oliver Hennedige, Deepu Joseph Sunshine Box duty: Brigitte Holtschneider, Uttam Kripalani Speaker: Our very own, IPP Dr Shahul Hameed Topic: “Global Grants and Free Money – the way to go?”





Board of Directors 2014/15

President Perlita Tiro

Immediate Past President (CRFC) Dr Shahul Hameed

President Elect Alan Tan Gim Guan

Vice President (Programmes) Joseph Chia

Vice President (Membership) Ashwani Sarwal

Hon. Secretary (Administration) Louis Lim

Hon. Treasurer (Finance) Jayant Gadgil

Directors

Chair, Community Service Irina Francken

Chair, Vocational Service Reinhard Klemmer

Chair, International Service Keith Harrison

Chairman – Youth Jeffrey Rajeck

Director (PR, Web, EYA) Suresh Keerthi

The Guide to Daily Living

Before doing the things we want to do, consider first, the precepts

of the guide. Ask ourselves these 4 questions and act upon them:

First: Have I spent some time in self-examination?

Second: Have I spent quality time with my family?

Third: Have I given my best to my work?

Fourth: Have I given some time to someone near and far?

The Guide, in fact, encompasses the 4 parts of the Object of Rotary.

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendship?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?



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