The Rotary Club of New York

www.NYRotary.org

 

 

 

 

 

July 13, 2003

 

 

 

Fellow Rotarians,

 

Our immediate Past President Silvio Amori, who is on the Board of Directors of the History of Rotary Project, wrote the following:

 

Rotary is a success story. We proudly belong to the most important, recognized and oldest World-Wide service organization. Almost one hundred years ago, a lawyer in Chicago, Paul Harris, had a dream. We should all learn how this great dream developed into reality during the years. That is why "The History of Rotary" is so important.

 

Our next New York Rotary meeting on July 15th is the History of Rotary Day with Jack Selway as the speaker. Jack is the Founder and Chairman of the History of Rotary Project, which has its website at www.HistoryofRotary.org. It is the best Internet resource about the History of Rotary. More than 60,000 Rotarians from all over the world visit this website every month. Jack will talk about the History of Rotary and the roll it has played in the development of Rotary as we know it today. You can read more about Jack Selway in the latest Bulletin on the Internet at http://ussterilizer.com/bulletin_07-15-2003.pdf (click on the link). I will be the one, who introduces Jack at our meeting.

 

I have worked with Jack since 2001 in the Executive Committee of the History of Rotary Project. Jack and I will travel to Wallingford, VT during this weekend. Wallingford is the place where Rotary’s founder Paul Harris grew up and learned the fundamental values that he brought to Rotary.  We will visit the Paul Harris Building to record unique personal items from Paul Harris for the website, including the manuscript in 6 drafts of his book “My Way To Rotary”. It is a telling record of the creative mind of Paul Harris. Jack and I will also speak at the Rotary Club of Wallingford on Monday morning in the Paul Harris Building. You can see pictures from my last trip to Wallingford on the internet at www.rotarylibrary.org/wallingford/

 

The History of Rotary is of particular interest to us New York Rotarians. Our legendary Rotary Club is the 6th Rotary Club to be founded out of 30,000 clubs. It has also played a decisive roll in the development of Rotary. Our legendary club contributed the following important milestones to Rotary History:

 

 

1.      The first lapel pin in Rotary history was designed and made by New York Rotary member John Frick on October 14, 1909 (before Rotary International even existed) and was worn by the Rotary Club of New York’s first President Bradford Bullock from 1909 to 1911. This was the forerunner to the Rotary pin that we wear today. Our Executive Director Andreas has promised me that you will be able to see this historic Rotary pin at the registration desk during our next meeting.

 

2.      In 1919 a New York Rotarian visited the Rotary Club of London and presented a banner which he designed and made. This was the forerunner to the exchange of club banners which now takes place in Rotary Clubs all over the world.

 

3.      The Rotary Club of New York participated in the founding of the National Association of Rotary Clubs in Chicago in 1910, which was the forerunner to Rotary International. The delegates from the New York Rotary Club brought to the convention a draft constitution, which became the basis of the first constitution and by-laws of what is now Rotary International's present day constitution and by-laws. New York's President. Ray Knoeppel also served as the Chairman of the committee that rendered the final draft of the first constitution and the first by-laws.

 

4.      In 1934, Rotary Founder Paul Harris designated the Rotary Club of New York as the "Host Club of America."

 

  1. The biggest fundraiser in the history of any Rotary Club happened when the Rotary Club of New York Rotary with its Foundation set up the World Trade Center Disaster Fund in 2001 and raised over 1.4 million dollars in a few months thanks to generous contributions from Rotarians all over the world. They had received information about the fund over the Internet.

 

  1. In 2003 the Rotary Club of New York with its Foundation was the first Rotary Club to donate $100,000 to Polio Plus during its latest fundraising in 2003. Rotary International President 2004-2005 Glen Estes said that the Rotary Club of New York with its Foundation has set an example of leadership and generosity that he hoped others would follow.

 

As you can see, the historic achievements of our legendary Rotary Club are not only in the past history, but also in recent history. You can read more about our Rotary Club’s history on our website at www.nyrotary.org/History/history.html.

 

During our last Rotary meeting when Greg Lynch was inaugurated as our 90th President, many Rotarians came to celebrate, including District Governor David "Sully" Sullivan, District Governor Elect Don Lee and seven Past District Governors. You can see photos of this event at www.nyrotary.org/president_greg/greg's_inauguration.html. You can also read Greg’s Inaugural Speech on our website at www.nyrotary.org/president_greg/inaugural_speech.htm.

 

You can check out what President Greg has to say on our new President’s Page at www.nyrotary.org/president_greg/president's_page.html. Greg has already written a new piece called ROTARIANS SERVE, SHARE AND ACHIEVE.

 

Past District Governor Richard Grant was Rotary International’s President Representative to our recent District Conference. Richard reads of our Bulletin and follows the activities of our Rotary Club. I just received the following message from him:

 

Dear Matts,

 

I enjoy reading your bulletins every week, as they are informative, enthusiastic and full of excellent information. Please give Conference Chairman Greg, Rita and my personal congratulations as he assumes the Presidency on R6. Keep the flag flying, and we hope to visit with your club during Greg's presidency.

 

Warm regards as you all "Lend a hand"

 

PDG Richard Grant

RIP Rep to the 7230 District Conference

 

Thank you Richard! We look forward to see you any time at our Rotary Club.

 

Jim Thompson has written a very good description of our last meeting in the Report of the Week in the Bulletin. Thank you Jim for a great report! Jim’s classification is Security Services Residential and he is a Senior Security Consultant at ADT Security Services, Inc. Jim transferred to our club from a Rotary Club in Staten Island where he has served as President.

 

The Bulletin also has pictures from the induction of Liberio Romano as a new member in our Rotary Club. Welcome Liberio! His classification is Infrastructure Services.

 

The information in my last newsletter on “How to Survive a Heart Attack” was sent to me by Past President Helen Reisler. By the way, Helen has just been nominated as a new Trustee to the New York Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Helen! You can read more about it in the latest Bulletin.

 

Last week I told you that our Traveling Ambassador Bill De Long received Rotary International's prestigious Service Above Self Award from the Board of Directors of Rotary International. At our recent meeting, Bill gave me a copy of a letter that he had received from Rotary International President 2002-2003 Bhichai Rattakul, where he wrote the following:

 

Dear Rotarian De Long,

 

"Service Above Self" is a long-standing and important principle of Rotary. Service itself . is a reward to Rotarians who reach out to give aid to those in need.

 

In 1991, the RI Board of Directors created the Service Above Self Award to recognize those Rotarians who truly embody Rotary's principal motto. While many Rotarians distinguish themselves through set-vice, it is important to recognize those outstanding few who have indeed made service a way of life.

 

Current and past officers and general officers of Rotary International were asked to submit the names and accomplishments of outstanding Rotarians. While an overwhelming response was received, only a maximum of 150 Rotarians may receive the Service Above Self Award each year. The Board was faced with the challenge of selecting the very best from a pool of exceptional candidates. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that you have been selected to receive this honor.

 

With this award, you are being recognized for the contributions you have made through Rotary over the years. Your selfless service to others has distinguished you from among the members of the worldwide Rotary family, and I believe you are an extraordinary example of how each Rotarian can make a. difference.

 

I am proud of the work you have done and to have you as my fellow Rotarian. You have truly demonstrated Service Above Self, and I urge you to continue to Sow the Seeds of Love.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Bhichai Rattakul

President, 2002-03

 

You can see a copy of Bhichai’s letter on our website at www.nyrotary.org/bill/ri_letter.pdf. You can read more about Bill on our website at www.nyrotary.org/bill/index.htm.

 

The Bulletin announces the birthdays for Paul Caruso on July 15th, Herbert Missry on July 20th, Achim Moeller on July 21st, Heinz Leichter on July 24th and Mary Fischetti on July 27th.  Happy Birthday to all of you!

 

Last week it was my sad duty to inform Rotarians in a district mailing that Sunil, the son of Rotarian Embee Mahtani has passed away. In response I received the following message from Fraternite Notre Dame:

 

Dear Mr. Mahtani,

We are wholeheartedly with you in this heavy trial. We understand your suffering and assure you of our prayer and Rotarian friendship.

The Most Reverend Bishop Jean Marie Roger Kozik + snd.
The Most Rev. Bishop Marie Bernard Laurent Deneux + snd.
Mother Marie Marthe + snd.
Mother Marie Faustine + snd.

 

There will be a moment of silence at our next meeting in memory of Embee’s son Sunil. You can send condolences to Embee at 240 East 27th Street, #18J, New York, NY 10016. There is more information about it in the Bulletin.

 

Last week, I said that Rotary International President 2000-2001 Frank Devlyn follows our club activities with great interest. In response, I received the following message from Frank:

 

Dear Matts:

 

As usual, I found your Newsletter of great interest.

 

Do get Natalie Hahn who retired from the UN back into Rotary.  Give her my best.

 

Good info on How to Survive a Heart Attack & I will pass it on.

 

Seeing that you are the Chair for GSE, I want to encourage you to think of Univocational Related Groups.  Imagine a group dedicated to Avoidable Blindness....An Ophthalmologist, an optometrist, an optician, an eye clinic administrator, an optical products distributor. This kind of group gets a benefit of giving a full rounded out picture of Eye Care.  Every visit is of benefit to all the group.  When they visit a club the members get a picture from different points of view.  I would like to see a Univocational Related Group promoting Security coming to Mexico or going from Mexico. Imagine a rep. from the police dept, a rep from the attorney general, a young lawyer who handles cases of persons who have been attacked or robbed, a private detective, a person in the new homeland security, etc. They would all learn together when making any visit.  They would all give the clubs they visit a perspective from different angles.  The latter is why I have become convinced on Uni Related Vocational Groups.

 

You have a lot of good links to interesting websites.  How about including mine at www.frankdevlyn.org. It is the place to visit for stories for my new book on Retention & Reenergizing Rotary Clubs.

 

Your Amigo,

 

Frank Devlyn

 

Thank you Frank, Natalie has already submitted her membership application. Rotary International’s Alternate Representative to the UN Sylvan Barnet is sponsoring her application. I will discuss your idea about the GSE program with our GSE Committee. Unfortunately, we do not have a GSE program this year, because the Rotary Foundation has reduced Group Study Exchange from once every year to once every two years. We have a link to your website. You can find it at www.nyrotary.org/Links/links.html.

 

We just received the following message from John Anderson in Bryan, Texas:

 

Greetings,

 

My name is John Anderson, a Rotarian in the Bryan, Texas club.  As the Group Study Exchange team leader to Venezuela last year, I stayed in the home of the Romay family.  Their daughter, Andry, has been offered an unpaid internship with the architect Andrew McNair whose office is at 8th Ave and 43rd St. We are looking for someone to host Andry and another student from July 20 to August 25, or perhaps several Rotarians could share by hosting for part of the time.

 

Please call or e-mail with any ideas.  My office phone is 800-234-7620, home phone is 979-846-6210, and cell phone is 979-229-4236.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

John

 

John E. Anderson

Vice President

Senior Financial Advisor

979-695-3002

979-695-0405 fax

 

Please contact John, if you have any ideas on how to help him.

 

Don't forget to reserve your table for our next meeting. You can reserve via e-mail to our office at ny.rotary@verizon.net, or call Andreas or Ana at 212-633-1311. You can also fax in the RSVP form, which you can download at http://ussterilizer.com/rsvp_07-15-2003.pdf. Our fax number is 212-633-1954. At our next meeting, the culinary staff at the Princeton Club will serve us Sesame Chicken.

 

I recommend that you visit our New York Rotary website every week at www.NYRotary.org. 

 

Rotary is about having fun

and do good things!

 

 

Matts Ingemanson

Chairman

Internet Communications Division

The Rotary Club of New York

www.NYRotary.org

 

Chairman

Group Study Exchange

Rotary District 7230

www.nyrotary.org/GSE7230

 

Ambassador

The History of Rotary Project

www.HistoryofRotary.org

 

 

 

The power of the Internet puts the brains of millions of people together. It also puts 1.2 million Rotarians together. It does not matter where we are and when we are available. The Internet makes it possible for Rotarians around the world to instantly participate.

 

This newsletter has also been posted on our website at www.NYRotary.org.

 

I want to thank our Executive Director Andreas Runggatscher and his Executive Assistant Ana Rivas for working so hard every week creating and mailing the Weekly Bulletin. In addition to mailing it out to our members, they also send me the electronic Bulletin so I can upload it on our website. They have also been working hard with the administration of the World Trade Center - Disaster Relief Fund.

 

In order to read the PDF file of the Bulletin-on-the-Web, you need Acrobat Reader Version 5.0 or later. If you don't have Acrobat Reader, you can download Acrobat Reader 6.0 for free from the web at:

 

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

 

 

You can find the following interesting websites at:

 

1.      New York Rotary Club at www.NYRotary.org/.

2.      The History of Rotary at www.rotaryhistory.org/

3.      Rotary District 7230 at www.rotarydistrict7230.org 

4.      District 7230 Group Study Exchange Project at www.nyrotary.org/GSE7230/

5.      Rotary Youth Leadership Awards at www.rotaryryla.com

6.      Rotary Radio every Tuesday 5-6 PM EST or 2-3 PM PST at http://12.162.161.64/cart/ProductList.asp?SearchFor=Rotary+Radio&x=36&y=6

 

7.      Matts Ingemanson, Helen Reisler and Jim Thompson from the New York Rotary Club were interviewed on Rotary Radio Tuesday July 9, 2002.

http://12.162.161.64/cart/ProductDetail.asp?PR_ProductID=329

 

You need Windows Media Player to listen to Rotary Radio. Windows Media Player is included with Windows Millennium and Windows XP. If you use Windows 95 or Windows 98, you can download Windows Media Player for free from Microsoft.

 

Click here to download Windows Media Player