One Small Step

Winter brings memories to many families as our rotary clubs and organizations are in the spirit of giving and helping others.  Some Seattle organizations are passing out sleeping bags, warm blankets and care packets for the homeless.  Jesse Tam's club continues to support the elderly with their annual giving with a program of music for the senior citizens.

Coats are attached to a post in some locations with a note for those who need to stay warm to take the jacket.  It's the time to reflect... the gift of sharing.  We can all start with one small step and lead.

Rotary Convention - Seoul

The fellowship over the years from Rotary are priceless. Jesse Tam, rotary provides an opportunity to meet new friends worldwide, participate in community projects, travel and attend International Conventions. The exciting part of attending district conferences and International Convention are the opportunities to sh are ideas, speakers and various projects.  Connect with Rotary members from around the world, exchange ideas across cultures and enhance your professional skills.

Experience the hospitality and culture.

• Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Sample traditional Korean fare
• Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife

Rotary International 2016 Convention will take place in Seoul, Korea from May 28- June 1 at the Kintex Center, an hour outside of Seoul.  It will be held in a beautiful and spacious setting with organized events and tours before, during and after the convention. Read more  http://www.riconvention.org/

Young Professionals Summit

This summer, a selected group of Rotary young professionals joined district leaders in Berkeley, California at a summit to discuss perspectives on what younger Rotarians look for in Rotary.  Leaders from western U.S. and Canada attended the summit.  Seattle has launched several new Rotaract clubs in the past several years.


   Joining rotary has provided lifelong fellowship, networking with professionals, volunteer and making a difference in the communities all over the world and locally.  It provides an opportunity to network, mentorship and work on projects, Flexibility is important with busy schedules and work. Find out more from your local chapters:  UW Bothell, UW, SU Chapter....

International Day of Peace

International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Celebrate Peace Day in your own way.  Anyone, anywhere can celebrate and honor this day with a simple lighting of a candle or sitting in silent meditation.  It could be doing a good deed for someone you don't know.

Established in 1981 by resolution 36/37, the United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Furthering the Day’s mission, the General Assembly voted unanimously in 2001 to adopt resolution 55/282 establishing 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease- fire. 

The theme of this year's commemoration is "Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All" which aims to highlight the importance of society to work together to strive for peace.

End Polio - Africa

We are fortunate to live without the fear of polio in our children.  .  Jesse Tam participated with Rotary, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Health Organization (WHO) to help with polio immunization  in Africa.The fight to end  polio still exists in some countries   Join us learn more about volunteering in your community.  https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

"Africa’s last polio case occurred in Somalia on August 11 last year. Nigeria, one of the last three polio-endemic countries, reached one year without a reported case on July 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) may soon remove Nigeria from the list of polio endemic countries. When Africa goes three years without a case of polio, WHO will certify the region as polio-free. 

A polio-free Africa has been within sight for over a decade. Health workers, community leaders, government officials, and global partners helped reach 230 million African children with the polio vaccine, in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable."  

Read more:  http://www.endpolio.org/stories/posts/africa-goes-one-year-without-a-polio-case/#more

Rotary Conference Highlights

Rotarians and guests gathered for our 2015 District 5030 Conference at the Tulalip Resort this  weekend. Jesse Tam was selected as RI representative aide from Hong Kong David H. and his wife.  It was an exciting occasion introducing them to the Seattle area for the first time. After arrival from Seattle International airport, we headed to the the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to see the projects for Shelter Box, clean water and other global programs.

At the conference, we explored new ways to light up Rotary and light the path to alleviate major challenges, locally and globally. It was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, strengthen relationships and participate in activities and sessions that will help Rotarians make the world brighter. Here are a few highlights.            http://jessetam.com/

• Thursday evening award and recognition dinner hosted by our district governor for his leadership team, assistant governors, past district governors and guest.

• Friday morning golf fundraiser for Rotary foundation with registrations, business meetings and breakout sessions in the afternoon. An evening reception for our presidents and president elects with plenary speaker RI President's representative. 

• Saturday continued with breakout sessions, Foundation reception and awards and recognitions.

• Sunday breakfast with plenary sessions, celebration of life, RI President's representative and passing of the banner.  Looking forward ahead to 2016....

Nepal Rotary Journey

The worst tremor to hit South Asian nation in over 80 years, Kathmandu, Nepal was hit with 7.8 earthquake.  Jesse Tam visited the beautiful city in February 2007 for Rotary when they were getting their first district recognition.  Nepal is filled with so much historical sights and kind people.  The country still goes without indoor heat in many homes and gas lines for auto fuel  were long during my visit. 

The quake was so powerful that it was felt in northern neighboring India, Tibet and Pakistan.  The death toll in Nepal was 1,130, but is is almost certain to rise in the coming days.  Thinking of our friends and Rotarian for a quick recovery, strength, safety and courage to all those affected.  Learn more https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Jesse's visit to Nepal and Rotary meeting with club president of Patan, gift exchange. Remembering the fellowship and friends, a wonderful year and reception.

Nepal

         
 Snowcapped Himalayas and the valley of Kathmandu the historical sites of Nepal

Freezing Storms and Polar Blast

The start of the New Year began with school closures and freezing storms for the Northeast states in the US. The polar temperatures made it too dangerous for people driving on the road and businesses were forced to close. I remember a winter day with Jesse Tam being stuck and unable to navigate the roads. The bitter wind hitting your face creates a stinging feel as you try to reach your destination. Walking is the only option when cars become stuck and unable to move on the highways and local streets.

Recent highways from Buffalo on I 90 closures to the northeast cities, stretching to the plain states. It's just the beginning of another long winter ahead.  Each year as winter arrives our rotary club, Seattle International District Rotary collects socks and clothing to donate to homeless shelters in our area.  The coat drive is another project to help children and those in need during the cold months to stay warm and can't afford such basic items.

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Tips for Winter - Auto

-  Carry extra blankets and shoes in car
-  Remember the ice scraper - keep windows clear from frost
-  Keep some snacks and water in the car
-  Cat litter is great when you need traction on the road
-  Check tires and tread for winter driving
-  Chains are always good for emergency

Our day temperatures are below 0 or minus with the wind chill, even 9 degrees is difficult when there is a power outage. Rotary clubs continues to help others year round with donations to the food bank and volunteering. The club decide on projects for the year with their committees. Have you taken a walk on those cold days or nights with the wind?  It can be a beautiful and peaceful walk enjoying the snow with my friend Jesse Tam. We look forward to warmer weather.  Stay Warm and safe travels!

We Are This Close

Rotary has been a great factor in helping End Polio, Jesse Tam and District leaders and club presidents were invited to a special event held at the Gates Foundation Visitor Center.  We are very fortunate to have the support and matching grants to help eradicate polio from Bill and Melinda Gates through their foundation.  Just one drop can change the life of a child and  family with the polio vaccination.  Just One Drop and "We Are This Close" to wiping out polio with a few more countries to continue the work.

A social evening with our Rotarian friends and leaders helping to kickoff the polio challenge. A networking and fun way to support others who are less fortunate than ourselves.  

Displays inside the foundation and what it represents, continuing to help humanity with clean water, micro-funding, vaccinations, education, and so much more.

 Rotary at the Gates Foundation night to help End Polio Kickoff event in Seattle, Jesse Tam 

Gates Foundation Projects - Make The Difference

Shanghai on the Bund Jesse Tam

The Rotary Friendship trip with Jesse Tam brings us to Shanghai, one of the largest cosmopolitan cities. A financial and container port gateway city with a vibrant population of 24.15 million (2013).  Here, we spent 3 days absorbing the futuristic skyscrapers, history, culture and the enchanting sparkling colored lights at night. If you love shopping, this city is considered a shopper's paradise on Nanjing Road. You can take a short trip to Wuxi where the factories are located for more bargain hunting or tailor a custom item.  

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The night lights on the Huangpu River on The Bund in Shanghai. We visited Shanghai Urban Planning Education Center, Yu Garden, the World Expo 2010 site, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, French Concession, shopping and a meeting with the Shanghai Rotary Club.

View of the Cruise Terminal

The Oriental Pearl Tower view from the boat along the river. The Highlight of our  evening in Shanghai concluded with the river cruise on The Bund. We were thrilled cruising the river, similar to visiting New York or Vegas for the first time.

Oriental Pearl Tower and City Skylight, Jesse 

Jesse and the guys taking a break, resting and warming up inside the boat. A spectacular brisk  evening filled with festive music and lights. Rotary fellowship as we concluded our journey. The cruise was approximately an hour in length.

Buildings along The Bund

Boat on the River - Cruising on The Bund

Another Boat on River

Shanghai or Las Vegas?  You would never imagine this type of views and towers if you've never traveled to China or other large cosmopolitan cities! Truly an eye awaking experience. The fast, faster and fastest pace city.  Shanghai buildings and towers in the background viewed from our river cruise along The Bund.

Shanghai or Las Vegas 

A quick evening stroll and trip to one of the largest outdoor shopping area,  Nanjing Road.  No, this is not Disneyland or the Disney Trolley.  Really, it's the trolley you can ride when you are tired from your shopping or food sample marathon.  All Aboard on the shopping of a lifetime!  Choo, choo.....

We visited several other cities by bus which is a short day trip. We traveled to Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing.  Some of the places we visited were the Fresh Water Pearl Farm,  demonstration of how to select pearls and their life cycle. Silk Factory from silkworm to the finished product. Confucian Temple was a large night market filled with food and shopping in Nanjing.  Lingering Garden, another breath taking garden, music and classic performers. West Lake was a beautiful lake lined with  cherry blossoms, a boat ride on the lake, blooming spring flowers and peacocks.

Dragon Well Tea Farm. We learned how the leaves were selected for harvest, roasted, separated, into various grades. An afternoon sampling tea, away from the bustling city life. 

If you decide to venture to Shanghai, here's a tip and reminder. Shanghai has two airports, first one is the local Hongqiao Airport and the second is the Pudong International Airport. Check the abbreviations and the correct airport for your departures.  It is very easy to be confused and go to the wrong airport. Remind the taxi driver of your destination.

Thanks for visiting Tam, Jesse