Rotary eClub One, District 5450
World's 1st eClub (Jan 2002)

President's Message NOVEMBER 2013

November 1, 2013

 

Dear eClub Friends

 

Did you know these things about Australia? 

o   Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands.

o   Australia’s mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth.

o   Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land are arid or semi-arid.

o   With only 22 million people, Australia has a low population density yet it is one of the world’s most urbanized countries, with about 70 per cent of the population living in the 10 largest cities.

o   Australia is known for its geographical density.  12% of the country is desert and yet there are great beaches and fertile land. 

o   That the 2014 Rotary International Conference will take place in Sydney, Australia June 1-4th and will be a great time for eClub members to connect and grow together. 

 

Did you also know that you will want to plan way ahead to experience Australia?

        

According to our Treasurer, Joe Spears, “The best place for US Citizens to get information is http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_954.html#entry_requirements.There all the entry requirements are spelled out including how to use SmartGate if you are US Global Entry Program Member.  Link to the Electronic Travel Authority (Visa) website is there as well and yes US Citizen can apply electronically. 

And, our immediate past secretary, Cheonhee Sohn suggests “Please note that the VISA requirement mentioned on the following link page, http://rotary2014.com.au/plan-your-trip/visas/ which I found from the Organizing Committee section in the RI Convention website at least six months prior to the Sydney Convention".

 

We hope to see you all at the Rotary International Conference and do plan ahead.  Also don’t forget to sign up by November 8th for the most amazing tour coordinated by our own Angus Robinson.  Not only do you get to be part of the best tour you can take, you can meet eClub celebrities, Carol and Robert Steen, Angus Robinson, Chris Joscelyne as well as Carol and Robert Steen.  https://www.rotaryeclubone.org/clubhouse/discussion/australianspeciald

 

In other club news, there is much going on.  First, the lifeblood of Rotary is membership and in October, we welcomed two new members, Diego Mazzeo and Peter Zwicky.  If you haven’t done so, say hello to them on our website. 

 

And speaking of our website, there is much to enjoy- the discussions and the forums are a great way to keep us connected.  Please join us there.  It is part of your Rotary commitment and ties us together.  Thank you to our Club secretary and website liaison, Emmanuel for your work on the site.

 

As I read the forums, many of you write on the power of Rotary to do incredible things.  This month, our Service Committee Chair, Jeremy Penner guided us through some terrific International Service Grants.  This fall your eClub funded two Global grants one from a member Pamela Gilbert and another with Joni Ellis of the Rotary Summit County.  We also funded three members International District Grants.  Thanks to-‘Buchi Akpeth, Chris Joscelyne, and Jane Fletcher.    Thanks to all who put so much into our world community.  We look forward to reading more about these grants at our website. 

 

In December, I will update you on the progress of our Community Service Grants.  Jason Griffith has let us know that members are encouraged to apply.

 

Thanks for all you do in the name of Rotary

 


Deborah Brackney
President, Rotary eClub One
Nov 1, 2013



President's Message (NOV 2013)