Castello's Cucina, 123 Fisher Street, Fullarton SA
President John Peacham 0431 618 359
Next week we are dealing with a Cowboy
Last Meeting
Venue: Castello's Cucina
Guest Speakers: Ethan Ross and Paul Duke
Guests: Rtn Stephanie Thorpe, John Smith, Marie Rothe, Rob's assistants Eucabeth Mokaya and Caroline Palacios
Attendance: 27 members and 6 guests
Welcome
President John welcomed our guests and reminded of the upcoming Rotary Women's Breakfast on March 6 and the District Conference in Loxton 15-17 March. At the Board meeting last Thursday Committee reports were discussed as was the finalisation of the Solomons project which is missing some receipts. Each week a different Committee will report on its activities.
Guest Speaker: Ethan Ross - Youth Sailing Challenge
Stephen Baker outlined details of the Youth Sailing Challenge which is conducted twice a year on the 'One and All' out of Port Adelaide. It is designed to foster teamwork, camaraderie, leadership, socialisation, skill enhancement and coping with difficult situations. He introduced Ethan who attends school at Christian Brothers College, loves scuba diving and was accepted into the YSC as a 14yo. He was experiencing difficulties at school at that time.
Ethan outlined some of the challenges he was facing at school (including problems he was causing) and coping with schoolwork. The college councilor nominated him for the YSC. Besides being a qualified scuba diver Ethan loves playing soccer. He liked the idea of the YSC following a beneficial school camp to the Flinders Ranges earlier in the year.
He covered the following three topics about his experience at sea:
'Getting to know you' The highlights were meeting and working with his crew mates (some of whom he still maintains contact with), the travelling and anchorage off a Yorke Peninsula Island during a storm and taking responsibility.
Learned Managing look-out during the night, basic navigation and setting the sails. Ethan's group were responsible for night watches, and the weather was very chilly.
Self Do not walk away from challenges, be more sociable (Ethan has a keen wit), and nail routine management.
Stimulated by his YSC experience, Ethan has set his sights on a maritime career.
Ethan was applauded for his illuminating address.
Guest Speaker: Paul Duke - Volunteering in Africa 2017
Upon retiring from dentistry, Paul decided to volunteer with a British NFP dental organisation which ran 2-week teeth extraction training clinics annually in Tanzania. He was the first Australian to do so, but others have now joined.
On arriving in the capital Dar Es Salam, he was struck by how austere/basic the infrastructure was and the amazing women who carried heavy loads, delicately balanced on their heads. Later he took a liking to the innovative range of female hair styles. He was not however amused by the widespread advertising of Coca Cola given the prevailing dental problems.
The volunteer dental group of 13 travelled to Chato for the training. Weather was hot and humid and there was no electricity at the clinic. On arrival there was a large enthusiastic group waiting for treatment, more than the 120 who could normally be treated in a day, but they were very patient. 3 chairs were provided for the patients to have their medical details taken and teeth extracted. Of the 7 trainees, 6 graduated and were provided with kits by the Brits. Paul was struck by the bravery of patients given the inefficiency of the large anaesthetic syringes which the trainees struggled to place near the infected teeth and the painful extractions through inexperienced hands. A video was shown of patients with bad teeth and weeping sores. Gum boils and other infections are common.
While Paul was helping a young patient he suffered a needle stick injury which was immediately treated with antiviral HIV injections. HIV is a big problem country wide.
One of the most memorable experiences of this trip after the clinic was a visit to the Serengeti National Park......amazing...must see!
Paul was also roundly applauded.
The editor has vowed to think more kindlier of his dentist and to contain his dread of the drill!
Jerry Casburn - Community Service Committee Report
The following topics were covered:
Getting reimbursement for early expenditure incurred for the cancelled Carols at the Rotunda from the Unley Council
Food on the table assistance, maybe in the form of a vocational dining visit (Christina pursuing)
10 Shelterbags ordered - perhaps to be dispersed via Woodhouse with the help of Dennis
Second Chances assists prisoners and their families - looking at support options (Christina pursuing)
A fundraising 'Long Tea'
Assist with establishing a District relationship with the Salvos Emergency Services being managed by Reno Elms
Collection of food and other necessities from local supermarkets for distribution to the needy through churches and other charity groups......RC Holdfast Bay run very successful twice-yearly collections.
Jerry, bathed in ethereal glow.....which stuffed up the photo, was thanked for his report.
SPOTS
Jerry Casburn asked for more volunteers to assist with the pick-up and delivery of medical equipment from the Mclaren Vale Hospital (now closed) to RARE (formerly DIK - a much better and less woke designation) on Thursday. and he reminded of the accommodation available at Rotary House Calperum for the District Conference.....invitations to follow.
Christina Way attended a Polio conference last year and has been holding discussions with older polio sufferers struggling with NDIS, to see if we can help. Please keep providing stamps.
Patsy Beckett announced that annual redex car trial will be held on 27 October 2024.....the unbeatable Baker team may well be in Qld for a reunion at that time which helps those who crave to hold the trophy....special training can be arranged with the editor at an affordable fee.
Virginia Cossid reminded that the coffee chat at Impressa is on again this Friday at 10.30am.
Brenton Judge will be mailing out membership payment reminders for those who have forgotten to pay, followed by invoices for this 6 month period.
Ross Burton reminded members to seek high and low for suitable prizes for the raffle to be conducted at our Quiz Night in June.
Finale
Recalcitrant Greg McLeod snared the filthy lucre and Haydn the chockies. The Bunnings BBQ yesterday raised $700+.
The meeting closed nicely at 7.57pm after an acceptable (to all but the Irish) dry cleaning joke.
By Kwi-Young Song, Rotary Club of Hanseong, District 3650, Korea
I had been a Rotarian for 23 years, but before attending the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia, I never fully appreciated the global nature of our organization with more than 1.4 million members around the world. During the opening ceremony, I saw the 200 flags from Rotary countries and territories waving and the large arena seemingly overflowed with cheering people. Even my daughter, who attended the convention with me, was moved. “Rotary is truly an international organization!” she exclaimed.
As each country’s name was announced, the shouting and cheering resembled waves upon a vast ocean. Everyone mingled peacefully, regardless of nationality – Korean, American, Japanese, Ukrainian – embracing each other warmly, laughing, shaking hands, and greeting one another. It was truly moving.
I also found the content moving. The first speaker, a member of one of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, shared a story about the difficulties they have faced. The term “Aborigine” has been used to refer to Australia’s indigenous peoples, despite the fact that they were the land’s original inhabitants. They faced many discriminations in regard to their language, art, and customs. Even in death, they could not be buried in well-maintained Victorian-style cemeteries but had to be buried in remote areas. As a result, some Indigenous descendants don’t even know where their ancestors are buried.
But with the passage of time, people from all cultures have come together. Communication combined with education has led to reconciliation, and many cultures are embracing diversity. It gave me much to think about.
The reason for including this speaker became clear. 2022-23 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones’s message of expanding our reach through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion highlights how, as an organization of 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries, we need to come together to become “One Rotary.” In light of the plight of Indigenous peoples, I understood her initiative more fully.
I was also moved by the speech of Steve Dimopoulos, Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, who emphasized that “diversity is the most important value in Melbourne’s history, where various races come together.” Francesco Arezzo, the chair of the International Convention Committee, further stated that “we must dream big,” with innovative ideas.
The highlight for me, though, was undoubtably seeing President Jennifer Jones on stage. As the first female president in Rotary’s history, she stood confidently in front of the Canadian flag, embracing everyone with a warm sincerity and passion.
By attending the convention, I gained a fuller understanding of the global reach of Rotary. I carry the cheers from the opening session in my heart, where they are engraved with the words, “Rotary is wonderful.”
Coffee Chat at Impressa, Unley Shopping Centre
10.30 am on the first Friday of the month is good for a chat with Rotary friends and a caffeine fix - Next one is Friday 2 February 2024
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday 6 February 2024 6 for 6.30pm Castello's Cucina
Guest Speaker: Dean Jamieson Memoirs of a Cowboy
Greetings Team: Brendan Kenny & Leonie Kewen
Tuesday 13 February 2024 6 for 6.30pm Castello's Cucina
Guest Speaker: Aasya Owais NYSF and a magic moments free-for-all
Greetings Team: John Kikkert & Dennis Liddle
Apologies and Meeting Enquiries to: Secretary Greg McLeod on 0417 811 838 or email to secretary@unleyrotary.org.au
Venue Set-up Enquiries to: Bulletin Editor Stephen Baker on 0403 687 015
Saturday Thrift Shop Roster
Early Shift: 10.00am to 1.00pm Late Shift: 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Early: David Middleton & Nathan White | Late: Vera Holt & Rhonda Hoare
Week 4: 24 February 2024
Early: Stephen Baker & Judi Corcoran | Late: Jason Booth & Vera-Ann Stacy
Week 5:
Early: Bob Mullins & Wendy Andrews | Late: Virginia Cossid & Paul Duke
Rotarians, who are unable to attend as rostered, please arrange a swap or as a very last resort contact: Vivienne Wood 0408 819 630; e-mail: vwood@ozemail.com.au
Mitre 10 and Bunnings Barbeques
The Mitre 10 BBQs are the first and third Saturdays of each month. Morning shift 8.30am - 12 noon; afternoon shift 12.00 - 3.30pm, then clean-up.....next one is on 3 February.
ALL the Bunnings Mile End Barbeque shifts are from 8am to 5pm
We have been allocated the last Monday of each month.....next one is 26 February
The Tale End.....
For old times' sake
A couple of old timers were discussing their sexual situation. 'You know Jack,' said one, 'I understand that drinking stout will put lead in pencil. Why don't we try a bottle?'
'I don't know about you,' replied Jack, 'but I don't have that many women to write to.'
The vicar called on a rich 80yo wealthy grazier, who recently married a 20yo bride, to see how he was coping.
'Can't keep my hands off her', he said.
Satisfied, the vicar smiled and went on his way.
He called back in a week and asked, 'How is the bride?'
'Can't keep my hands off her', repeated the old farmer. 'Now worse, she has run off with one of them.'
The last word
This email was sent by Stephen Baker
Rotary Club of Unley | PO Box 18 | Unley | SA | 5061 | Australia