Taking the Stress out of Stress Management!

Registrations indicate this year’s MUNA will be a big event!

The Rotary Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the U.N. General Assembly is all about building bridges of goodwill for world peace and understanding in the minds of our youth. MUNA was first conducted in Rotary by Rotary at Winnipeg in Canada, and introduced to Australia by the Lake Cargelligo Rotary Club in 1980.

In 1989 President Royce Abbey of Melbourne placed MUNA on the World Youth Activities Committee Agenda for Rotary International, and it was fitting that MUNA was included as part of the Rotary International Conference conducted in Melbourne in 1993. The current MUNA programme is the brainchild of Cindy Sullivan of Debny Park Secondary College, the Secretary General is Brett Lefebvre of Kyneton RC and our club’s Secretary Neville Page is President of the Assembly and this year it will be held at Myrniong on the 13th & 14th of June.

Students are selected in teams of 2 to represent a country. This year there are about 70 students representing 35 countries. Each team is given topics to discuss and debate. This process is carried out in the “Assembly Room” in a manner as close as possible to a genuine United Nations Assembly. They are encouraged to wear the national dress of that country.

Whilst some districts put the emphasis on running their assembly in a venue as close as possible to the real thing (District 9810 use the Old Parliament House), district 9800 have put the emphasis on a “live in” venue to encourage camaraderie.

The process of MUNA forces the participants to think differently about how people from other nationalities think about the same issues. This helps them develop a better understanding of other countries and therefore respect for other peoples views. This is a positive force towards world peace. The process also gives the young people an excellent opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and in particular debating skills.

The “live in” format that this district has adopted helps the participants develop relationships and form friendships with other young people and encourages them to share their thoughts and views with others.

Prizes/certificates are presented to: Best Debater - Male Best Debater – Female Best Debating Team – Winner and Runner-up Best Costume x 2 Best debating team is also sponsored (by District MUNA).

The cost is $480.00 for a team of 2 students. The club also needs to organise transport and reimburse up to $50 to a student for costumes. Neville will need volunteers to help cover any contingency.

A personable and assured Kentuckian at large!

Alexander Brown had most of the attributes we would all aspire to own.

Self assurance, without crass veneers or pretensions, he addressed our members in a personable and almost intimate style which was soon to have ‘speaker-hardened’ club members all attention.

His resume of high academic achievements coupled with his life and living experiences abounded despite his tender years relative to the audience he addressed. A remarkable Kentuckian and quietly assured person life beckons this Ambassadorial Scholar to colourful, interesting future.

Alexander hails from a quiet corner of Kentucky, USA named Somerset, from a successful professional mother and father with only one younger sister. He spoke fondly of those things which make Kentucky a great place to grow up in - thoroughbred horses, Jim Beam Bourbon and Makers Mark Whisky to name just a few. The traditional American sports feature with Kentucky University basketball and the Louisville Cardinals baseball to add diversity to scholarship.

Kentucky was the birthplace of Union president Abraham Lincoln and the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis. The two great men were born in log cabins within one year and 100 miles of each other. Kentucky's strategic potential was recognized by both sides in the Civil War conflict, and several bloody engagements and many guerrilla raids occurred throughout the state.

After the Civil war, Kentucky's economy underwent dramatic changes. As the large hemp industry declined, the development of burley tobacco contributed to a tremendous increase in tobacco production.

The U.S. Treasury Gold Vault was established at Fort Knox in 1936. During World War II, Kentucky began to shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy, but it was not until 1970 that the state had more urban than rural dwellers. Tourism developed into a major industry, aided by an impressive state park system and new highways across the state.

Alexander detailed some indelible memories that he will keep of his Oz adventure. Strange turns of phrase, burgeoning university and multicultural ethos and strong sporting identities. He can be contacted for an interesting conversation at e-mail alexander.brown08@gmail.com.

Members were both enthralled and very concerned as during her earlier address she had recounted the trials and tribulations of escaping her war-torn homeland.

Shukri has become one of our club’s valued members adding new ideas and dimensions to our plans, especially our intention to become more closely allied to our local community which has a substantial number of her countrymen residing here. She is on our Fundraising Committee and is increasingly involved in our clubs activities and she underlines the Rotary International ethos in our club.

Guatemala is a magical place. If you’re into the Maya, the mountains, the markets or a million other things, you’re bound to be captivated. People go there and they stay. Or they leave and return. There’s almost too much going on there, and even the shortest trip takes you to completely different places, with new challenges and surprises. Students of Spanish flock to Antigua, a gorgeous town nestled between three volcanoes, while those travellers seeking the 'real Guatemala' might head to lesser known places like Lago de Isabel or Nebo, a Maya village hidden in a remote fold of the Cuchumatanes mountains and sooner or later, just about everyone ends up in the Highlands – Lago de

Atitlán being an irresistible drawcard.

Guatemala's Maya heritage is everywhere. El Petén's remote archaeological sites are unmissable; the fascinating town of Chichicastenango adheres to pre-Hispanic beliefs and rituals even now. Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, on the other hand, provides a glimpse into the mysterious Pipil culture, with some interesting carved stone heads and relief scenes to be found in fields and fincas (plantations) around town.

If you visit from December to February, expect some cool nights and mornings. Weatherwise this can be the best time to visit El Petén. March and April are the hottest and driest months.

The rains begin in May or June, and with them come the mosquitoes – bring rain gear, repellent and, if you plan on slinging a hammock, a mosquito net. July to September is muggy and buggy.

October and November see the end of the occasional rains and a -return to cooler temperatures.

There’s no bad time for visiting Guatemala, though the rainy season – called invierno (winter) – makes unpaved roads more difficult from mid-May to mid-October, and into November and December in the north and east. In the lowland jungles of El Petén, the mud at this time will slow you down, guaranteed. Humidity – never low on the coasts or in El Petén – increases during the rainy season, too. In the highlands things get cold and damp during invierno, especially at night. It doesn’t rain all day during the rainy season, but you can expect daily showers (downpours in the north) at the very least. The dry season – verano (summer) – is from about November to April, and this means sweltering heat in El Petén and along the coasts and comfortably warm days in the highlands. In the eastern parts of the country, rain is possible at any time.

Annie filled in with her exuberant and highly motivating presentation about her country which she has avast and interesting well of information. This can only come from a deep and abiding love for her birthplace. Our members were extremely appreciative of her presentation.

Brian sits on all Melbourne City Council committees, including the Audit Committee. He is the Chair of the monthly Finance and Governance Committee and Deputy Chair of the bi-monthly Eco-City Committee.

He is presently a community relations and migration consultant and has been an adviser to the Victorian Cabinet Secretary and the Victorian Minister for Health and the Secretary of the Victorian Ethnic Affairs Commission.

Brian was awarded the Federation Medal in 2002 and, in 2003, received an award for services to multiculturalism. He is a former President of the Celtic Club from 1995-1997 and 2000-2006. As our local councillor, Brian has shown a keen interest and support for our community and has been very supportive of North Melbourne Rotary Club’s activities.

The eight City of Melbourne Governance Principles, based on universally recognised governance fundamentals, are articulated in the governance priorities of the City of Melbourne: -

* Build strong relationships between Council, Management and staff;

* Model the values of integrity and transparent decision-making;

* Respect the interests of stakeholders;

* Structure the Council to deliver excellent performance;

* Pursue continuous improvement with courage;

* Deliver timely and accurate disclosure;

* Ensure credibility in financial reporting; and

* Review and manage risk.

The Charter provides guidance on the various roles, processes and protocols of the Council, and Councillors and the administration that underpin the observation of the City of Melbourne Governance Principles. Many sections of the Charter contribute to the adherence to and realisation of the Principles.

A lot of information about a very regular human habit.

In a very personable and easy style Dr Chris Warsnop gave our members a great insight into sleep. Something, that despite being a part of the life of most every living thing on the earth, remains a mystery as to why it is part of everyday living needs and a key to a satisfactory existence.

Sleep is the natural state of bodily rest observed in humans and other animals. It is common to all mammals and birds, and is also seen in many reptiles, amphibians and fish. In humans, other mammals, and a substantial majority of other animals which have been studied, such as some species of fish, birds, ants and fruit-flies, regular sleep is essential for survival.

Sleep stages and other characteristics of sleep can be measured by polysomnographyin a sleep laboratory using among other tools electroencephalography (EEG) for brain waves, electrooculography (EOG) for eye movements and electromyography (EMG) for activity of skeletal muscles.

Criteria for REM sleep include not only rapid eye movements but also rapid low voltage EEG, commonly called brain waves. In mammals, at least, low muscle tone is also seen, often called paralysis. Most memorable dreaming occurs in this stage. REM sleep accounts for 20–25% of total sleep time in normal human adults; Non-REM (NREM) accounting for the rest.

In NREM sleep, there is relatively little dreaming. NREM encompasses three stages; stage 1 (N1), stage 2 (N2), and stage 3 (N3); N3 being referred to as 'deep sleep' or slow-wave sleep (SWS). Sleep stages are differentiated by brain waves, eyes movements, and skeletal muscle activity. The multiple theories proposed to explain the function of sleep reflect the as yet incomplete understanding of the subject.

It is likely that sleep evolved to fulfil some primeval function, but has taken over multiple functions over time as organisms have evolved as with the larynx which today performs multiple functions such as controlling the passage of food and air, phonation for communicating, and social purposes. An indication of usual sleep requirements are Newborn -up to 18 hours; 1–12 months-14–18 hours; 1–3 years-12–15 hours; 3–5 years-11–13 hours; 5–12 years-9–11 hours; Adolescents-9-10 hours; Adults, including elderly-7–8 (+) hours; Pregnant women-8 (+) hours.

A long arduous journey to safe haven in Australia.

Shukri has the appearance and style of having had a serene journey through her life to reach the present position as a respected medical practitioner and a very welcome member to our North Melbourne Rotary Club.

She was born in Somalia in 1980 and was part of a family of 7, this was at time of extreme violence and unrest in the country. When her father died when she was 9 years old, her mother undertook and succeeded in maintaining the family group together through many trials and tribulations.

Shukri related how gunmen came to their camp and demanded that the women cook a meal for them. She smilingly advised she had slept peacefully during the whole episode. This however was a very mild event amid the pillage and rape of both people and the country at that time.

Arriving in Kenya proved problematical for the family, both particular accent of their language and unable to speak the local language and being totally bereft of all possessions. Being a little naïve about the dangers of jungle, she went for a walk with a friend and a confrontation with a huge leopard was a lesson quickly learned.

This camp proved to give no plush lifestyle but some friendly aid workers returned some nine months after being billeted there and unexpectedly offered them refugee status in New Zealand or Australia. Her mother chose New Zealand in 1993.

Choosing New Zealand was yet another culture shock but now with clothes, a house and a school to attend, a better life beckoned. Shukri discovered the huge gap in her education to fill but soon discovered a strong desire and ability to study and retain the information she learned. She became aware of Rotary through gaining a scholarship. Because she had seen so many health problems in her short troubled life, her strong interest was to study medicine.

Entering Auckland University she obtained her BSc degree in pharmacology, which led to her becoming involved in Audiology. This led her to apply and achieve a posting at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia –a further lifestyle change!

Today she has a private practice in Flemington Road where she works two days a week and has become a very welcome member of our club’s Membership Committee –a great asset for us.

One day I will … Make a will… and research my family history.

Census Searches Limited is a family business established by Lady Teviot who has been involved in family history research for over thirty five years.

The coat of arms used is used by right, being the arms of Lord Teviot, himself was an acknowledged genealogical expert. Lady Teviot is President of the Federation of the Family History Societies, Vice Chairman of the Friends of the East Sussex and a member of the Council of the British Records Association. Lord Teviot is a Fellow of the Society of Genealogists and President of the Association of Genealogists andRecord Agents

The wish to establish our roots is inherent in us all and it can be a very rewarding and exciting experience. Your family name is your birthright; it is very personal and yet many people have no idea of how or why it is theirs. Small families, a mobile population, the lost art of letter writing and other factors have combined to lessen the security and tradition of the family.

For these reasons there has been a tremendous growth of interest in family history and genealogy over the last fifteen years or so. It is now recognised that it is part of our duty and our pride to hand on to future generations what may well become, in the age of the microchip, computer and robot, the only personal records of our ancestry.

Census Searches Limited is a family history research service which has been formed by genealogists who have the knowledge and expertise gained from over twenty five years of working from records in this highly specialised field.

Where was your great-grandfather in the Industrial Revolution? Was he a veteran of the Napoleonic or Crimean wars or was he peacefully tilling the fields as generations of your family had done for centuries?

Craftsmen, tradesman, sailors, shopkeepers, miners, doctors, railwaymen and labourers, together with many others, all have a part to play in the rich tapestry of your family history. Where were they born, how did they live and when did they die? Where do you begin...?

To explore the possibilities visit www.census-searches.co.uk. Lady Teviot finished by saying that Australia was difficult to search as each State has to be covered separately unlike in the UK and other countries where there was usually one central records registry.

Bringing value to the North Melbourne Community.

Since she became CEO of ‘The Centre’ in Errol Street North Melbourne, Thea Bates has become well known by members of our club.

Our club has become more active within the local community and in many instances through joining in the activities and projects carried out by ‘The Centre’.

This includes Spring Fling Festival which was a great success in October 2008, and the burgeoning success of the Homework Club system.

Thea began her address referring to the recently released Annual Report 2007/8 which detailed the retirement of Tania Phillips and the smooth transition to her becoming CEO. Since then some rationalisation and reorganisation had seen a new dimension emerging within the workings of the organisation.

In particular she detailed the rapid expansion that had taken place relative to The Homework Club which the founder of Doxa, Fr Joe Giacobbe, who advocated on behalf of the program resulting in Doxa sponsoring the Homework Program during 2008. School Focused Youth Services have regularly provided program funding and enabled the expansion of the program while it remains free of charge to students and their families.

The ‘Dream Volunteer’ program continued to develop, offering diverse opportunities to young people, students, retired people, people from refugee backgrounds, academics and people with experience of homelessness.

This new approach reflects the intention of The Centre

as a whole. ‘We are currently reviewing the Constitution, the structure of the organisation, many of the activities and programs and the way we do business. We want to strengthen our relationships with the North Melbourne Football Club, the Rotary Club Melbourne, the North & West Melbourne Precinct Association, the North & West Melbourne Association and community groups such as the Hotham History Project, Sustainability Street and the new Arty Farty Institute (yes, that’s its name!) she said. Thea answered questions and received prolonged applause.