Steve McCauley - St. Vincent de Paul/St. Boniface Food Bank

In an excellent and well delivered presentation, Joe made us proud to have such an eloquent new member. And he gave us ample reminders as to why we are Rotarians and what our purpose, values and interests are.

Joe came from the Philippines and was eighth in a family of nine children. His father was a soldier assigned to the Philippine Air Force, his mother a full-time vegetable and fruit vendor in the market, and together they emphasized and did all they could to support their children’s education. All nine children graduated from university, Joe having earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1989.

Inspired by his father’s example, faith, determination and courage, Joe believes in making the most of each day, as if it is going to be the last. He was a Rotarian in the Philippines.
Joe married Mary Ann in 1998, and they have a daughter, 10, and a son, 7 years old. They arrived in Toronto in 2004, encouraged by a brother’s advice from the United States and by Mary Ann’s prodding!

Employed by Schindler Elevator Corporation for seven years in the Philippines, Joe was able to get a job with Schindler here, with full recognition of his years and benefits. His general manager for the previous three years in the Philippines, an Australian, recommended Joe with the statement that, “Under Joe’s leadership the sales team went from selling 30 units a year to selling 300 units this year. I am very sorry to lose him and wish him well in the future.”

A Swiss company started in 1874; Schindler is the second largest elevator company in the world and the largest escalator company. Joe was first a quality control engineer in Saudi Arabia and then became their national sales Manager in the Philippines in 1999. He has travelled widely throughout the Far East and now in the United States and Canada as an Account Manager.

He professes to enjoying working in Canada most of all, especially because he now has more time with his family, which he treasures most after God. He also serves as an elder in his church.

Quoting from Rick Warren’s book Purpose Drive Life, “The most valuable things in life are not valuables,” Joe stated that people whom we love, our family and friends, the people whom we serve in our community are the most valuable of all in this transient and fragile life.

And he is convinced that this is what Rotary is all about – because our values are not based on valuables but on valuing others by doing “Service above Self.”

Attendance

There were 29 members and five guests in attendance.

Announcements

President Victor reminded us about the Foundation Walk in Cobourg, and Lina encouraged us to attend or to be a sponsor. As usual, Gus will welcome sponsors from those who will not go to the walk. Carpooling can be arranged and cars left at the Scarboro Golf Club in the lower parking lot.

There will be a Club Forum in October, with reports from all committees.

Victor urged us to register now for the District Conference at Deerhurst.

Woods Cunningham Wheel

Mike Cooksey had the right number but did not spin an ace.

Sergeant-at-Arms

Mike paid a fine for having to leave early.

Chris paid a happy buck on behalf of Audrey, whose granddaughter was interviewed by CTV Sports.

Aysan’s niece visited from New York.

Josie will welcome support for her fund raising walk to build houses for needy families in the Philippines.

Ron brandished a two-dollar bill, marking his son’s entry to the University of Waterloo, in a cooperative program in environmental engineering, and his daughter’s entry to Trent University to study resource management.

Skip was happy to celebrate a visit from his granddaughter.

Sidney contributed to mark his and Chris’s attendance at a Rotary training session.

Jim celebrated his second week in a row that the lunch money balanced!

Ron announced an upcoming fundraiser for PACT, a valuable organization we have supported, at Fantasy Farm on Sept. 17. Anyone interested should obtain details from Ron.

New Generations Month

September is New Generations Month when Rotary Clubs of the world give special emphasis to the many Rotary-sponsored programs that serve children and young people.

From The Humour Library of Geoff Dean

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

He who hesitates is probably right.

Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are ' XL.'

If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everyboy.

If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Trigonometry.

Celebrations

Upcoming Meetings- to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

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