20 Oct 09
Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Rtn. David Van Meerendonk welcomed visiting Rotarians:
- Rtn. Steve Ting, RC Cupertino, CA USA
- Rtn. Elsie Wu, RC Cupertino, CA USA
- Rtn. Tom Yeoman, RC Monticello IA USA
- Rtn. Dennis A Dussanit, RC Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Rtn. Steve Jenkins, RC Cardiff Bay, Wales
- Rtn. Stakes Juergen, RC Bonn-Siegburg, Germany
- Rtn. Dreyer Dgozinique, RC Fribourg, Switzerland
And visiting guests:
- Mrs. Flavia Clarence-Smith, guest of Rtn. Jo
- Mr. Henh MenknewÜ, guest of Rtn. John
- Mr. Dean McGonagall, guest of Rtn. John
- Mr. Walter Jansen, guest of Rtn. Gilbert
- Mr. Alexander De Bienre, guest of Rtn. Gilbert
- Mr. Gerald Page, guest of Rtn. Kevin
- Mr. Ricsard Rheindurf, guest of Rtn. Kevin
- Mr. Gian-Marc Widmer, guest of Rtn. Curt
- Mr. David Martin, guest of Rtn. Curt
Banners were exchanged with the following Rotary Clubs:
- RC Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
- RC Warsaw Wilanow, Poland
- RC Cardiff Bay, UK
- RC Westminster West, UK
(no pics received yet)
Reports & Announcements
Deputy Serge-At-Arms Rtn. David announced that Rotarian Matthias Kann passed away after a massive heart attack (aged 51). The following notice was received from the Kempinski Hotel.
With deepest regrets we have to inform you, that our Managing Director Mr. Matthias Kann has passed away last Thursday morning, which found us all in shock and great sadness.
If you wish to pay the respects here in Beijing, we have set up a memorial room in the hotel.
The Symphony Room will be open from this Friday, October 23 until Monday, October 26 from 1100hrs – 2000hrs.
In recognition, all members rose and stood in silent tribute for one minute. Rtn. Ulrike Nieter proposed that an appropriate club project be put under Mathias’ name and personally volunteered to make an extra donation in his memory.
Rtn. Henry Wang led the Four Way test in English and Chinese.
Service Project Chair Don gave a committee report. Report will be published on the club’s website.
Mr. Alexandra(???) De Bienre , a visiting Rotary Scholar, from Leuven, Belgium, who is studying at Tsinghua University, said he was looking forward to attending our meetings and his studies in Beijing. He expressed his appreciation to the Rotary Foundation for their support
RI Foundation Director Josephine reminded the members that the China Conference will be held on Nov. 14 at the Marriott Northeast (same venue as Christmas Bazaar). All committee chairs and members are encouraged to attend. The program is being personally set up and presented By District Special Representative YK.
Rotaract liaison Rtn. Christoph Mueller reported that four new members have signed up last week. He also asked if members could assist Rotaract’s clothing drive by providing a transport vehicle for one day to pick up donated clothes.
Christmas Bazaar, chairman Ruby distributed Christmas Bazaar posters & flyers. Members were asked to please distribute them to friends and post them in their companies and compounds.
Mayling, one of the students from Gubeikou whom we are assisting in her studies at Beijing Forestry Studies University came to thank the Club for the support she has received.
Returning Rtn. Dominic (???) (former Swiss Ambassador to the PRC and RCB club member) gave a chat about his history with the RCB and his Rotary experiences in India and Japan.
PP Carl reported the Saturday fishing fellowship was wonderful and successful. Carl meanwhile would encourage more members to host and participant in such fellowship events.
Club Secretary Einar indicated that we will be updating the database and that members should expect to be contacted and that next week we will be recognizing non-Rotarian’s who have contributed to the club.
PR Committee Chair Charles will be giving a reprise of his Colonial Legation tour on Nov. 15; it promises to be a lively affair and will include a set lunch. The in-coming GSE team will be attending so it might be a pleasant way of getting to know them while enjoying a marvelous tour.
President John presented the October board meeting report. The report will be printed on club website, members’ access only.
