As we enter the month of April, the people of Thailand prepare to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year. This important holiday is a time for renewal, reflection, and coming together with family and friends to celebrate new beginnings.
For Thais, Songkran is also a time to cleanse oneself of past misdeeds by participating in water rituals and other cleansing ceremonies. And, of course, it is a time for festive celebrations, with people throughout the country taking to the streets for water fights and other fun activities.
As Rotarians, the spirit of Songkran holds a special meaning for us. We strive to make a difference in our community and promote goodwill and understanding among people of different backgrounds and cultures. Songkran provides us with a powerful reminder of the importance of these values.
This month, let us take inspiration from the spirit of Songkran as we continue our work in service to others. Let us renew our commitment to making a positive impact in our community and promoting understanding and respect. And let us come together with our fellow Rotarians, friends and family to celebrate.
I wish you all a happy Thai New Year and look forward to continuing our work together in service to others.
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Let's talk club business! On the weekend of March 10-12, PE Roger and ADG-Elect John attended the President-Elect Training and District Team Training Seminar (PETS & DTTS) in Nan.
Rotarian Patrick Desloge and award-winning photographer John Hulme joined Michael Mann of the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) and his team in a site visit to a remote village in the Omkoi area, where ITDF is currently working on providing safe water and toilets. Patrick is one of the Secondary Contacts in the Water and Sanitation Global Grant Project. John and his crew will document the work. Check out a photo of the site visit below. Our team was treated to a delicious lunch.
Speaking of Michael, he has hands-on experience in building water and sanitation systems for the past 30 years. He and his team installed clean water sources and toilets in more than 290 villages. We can rest assured that the 21 Northern Thai villages they are going to serve are in the best hands possible.
This year, the District 3360 Conference took place on 18-19 March at the Top Land Hotel in Phitsanulok. Charter President Roger Lindley, Past President John Schorr, Rotarians Owen Hodgson, Patrick Desloge and I represented the Chiang Mai International Rotary Club. Our club was recognized for contributing 500 USD to the Rotary International Polio Plus program.
In March, CMIRC danced the Hokey Pokey twice... Membership Chair Myrna made us do it. Check out the proof here below:
Would you like to learn more about our projects or get involved? Come and see us! Contact secretary@cmirotary.org for an invitation.
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