There's a poster at my café, Café BIZ (http://cafebiz.cjb.net), of Albert Einstein stating that "Peace cannot be kept by force - it can only be achieved by understanding."  Perhaps it is a notion we should adapt in dealing with the situation in the Mindanao where conflict between Islamic rebels and the government of the Philippines is causing much unrest in probably the most beautiful area of the country.  Haven't we learned in the past that violence achieves nothing but grief for families whose children are sacrificed for ideologies too blurred for them - too young to even understand.  The media shows even women and children taking up arms in an effort to uphold their beliefs; which brings a question to my mind - what beliefs?  What is it that the Islamic front is trying to uphold?  The existence of Allah?  Their right to control the southern islands?  And what are we, as residents of the more progressive island of Luzon and constituents of Pres. Joseph Estrada, trying to accomplish by engaging in combat with those Filipinos?

As Rotarians in San Fernando City, La Union, our concerns are far from the maddening crowds.  Our peaceful community allows us the opportunity to concentrate on family, commerce and community service.  Perhaps our community can assist in reaching an "understanding" (which is in essence, the basis for the 4-way test) for the sake of those caught in the lack thereof with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

Classification Joke of the Week:

Morris the loudmouth mechanic was removing the cylinder heads from the motor of a car when he spotted the famous heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, who was standing off to the side, waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his Mercedes.

Morris shouts across the garage, "Hey DeBakey! Is that you? "Come on over here a minute!" The famous surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to where Morris the mechanic was working on the car.

Morris straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked argumentatively, "So Mr. Fancy Doctor, look at this here work. I also open hearts, take valves out, grind 'em, put in new parts, and when I finish this baby will purr like a kitten. So how come you get the big bucks, when you and me is doing basically the same work?"

Dr. DeBakey leaned over and whispered to Morris the loudmouth mechanic. "Try doing it with the engine running!"

Sniglet of the Week:  It is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education.

The first regular meeting of RCSFU for the RY 2000-2001 was a very productive and enjoyable  one.  It is at the first meeting of the Rotary Year that we always conduct our first Club Assembly and planning session for the Rotary Year.

It was our Day Chairman and Master of Ceremonies, Dir. JERRY, who got things "kicked off" when he asked Pres. JEROME to call the meeting to order.  VP TANTE who was originally scheduled to lead in the Pambansang Awit, instead led in the Prayer and 4-Way Test as a "fill in".  Dir. JERRY then "filled in" and led us in the Pambansang Awit.

Dir. REX welcomed and greeted our guests and celebrant.  One lone celebrant for the meeting was Sec. DIEGO, who along with his Ann AGNES, were celebrating their wedding anniversary.  Thank you, Sec. DIEGO for the "double scoop" of  ice cream. We needed that… Dir. RICHARD's Friendship Session dealt with questions about the accomplishments of the previous Rotary Year.  It is surprising how quickly we forget.

During his "first" President's Time, Pres. JEROME made kind remarks of gratitude to all who helped during the enormously successful Induction Program. Also he announced that the Rotary office will be equipped with a computer and cell phone.  Congratulations Secretarial -aide Lydia on getting  this much needed equipment, and I might add, long over due.  I am sure that these items will be a great asset to our Club.

It was Sec. DIEGO or was it Dir. JERRY who led us in our Club Assembly.  At any rate there was not  very much leading as each of the Avenues of  Service quickly met and started formulating their plans for the Rotary Year.  All of the Avenues of Service were busy as Rotarians were not only eager to match the accomplishments of the previous Rotary Year, but even surpass what has been done in the past. We can do it if we all work together in a selfless effort to better our community, our nation, and our world. Remember, "Nothing is impossible with God."

The Rotarians were enjoying the Club Assembly so much that we almost forgot to adjourn the meeting. Pres. JEROME rang the closing bell at 2:05 P.M.