Narooma Rotary Beacon 4 October 2018

Rod’s Ramble

Not much to report. I have moved the Board meeting to this Thursday 4th at 5:00pm as I will be away again the following week. That will make this week’s meeting a Club Assembly. Under consideration will be dates for the AGM I would ask that everyone start to consider what they will be able to contribute to the running of the Club next Rotary Year. 

We will also set a date for our Christmas party and discuss the venue. If anyone has a view on the venue please let me know before Thursday. At the Board Meeting we will also consider a request from Wendy Machin. Does anyone know Wendy or the background of this request? 

‘I am writing to you in the hope that you will support me in an application to the local Dalmeny Sporting Club. I am seeking some of their funds to pay for a pathway from the bus stop on ort Avenue to the top of Ruth Place; parallel to the Dalmeny Bowling Club. I work with IRT and manage our residents who live independently on the outskirts of the care centre’

I have received the latest addition of Rotary on the move today. Please click here to view – download the ‘Rotary on the move’ newsletter for October 2018

NPS teachers Ben Neich & Katrina Close took us back to school.

International Toast

The club toasted District 9600 and its DG Wendy Protheroe. District 9600 is somewhat unique in that it embraces Rotary clubs in four different countries – Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Nauru. The District extends from Brisbane to Gympie in Queensland, an area that has 49 Rotary Clubs, 13 in PNG, 2 Clubs in the Solomon Islands and 1 Club in Nauru.

DG Wendy who is a member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane High Rise, has represented Australia and Queensland internationally and was the Queensland Government’s Economic Development Portfolio Director during the 2000 Olympic Games.

Wendy was General Manager of Boys Town Counselling Services with responsibilities across Australia.    

Attendance Last Week

14 Members were present last week along with 2 Club guests and 3 guests of members. 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 27 September 2018

Rod’s Ramble

I have been doing my brown rambling this week around the  Nation’s Capital. Ran into fellow Sydney High Old Boy ‘Scomo’. He said to say hello,  especially to Peter Bull. Apparently Peter’s exploits were still talked  about when Scomo was there some 15 years later.

This week we have 2  guest speakers from Narooma Primary  School, partners and guests are most welcome to come along to hear Tania’s and Katrina’s engaging presentation. 

 Presentation Title: A Peak into Literacy and Numeracy in 2018. 

Word sorts, writing fluency, CARS and Stars, five minute frenzies, TENS and Matific – it sounds like a randomly generated collection of strategies we use to build and enhance student knowledge of both literacy and numeracy. Tania will share her knowledge of literacy/numeracy for Kindergarten to Year 3. Katrina will focus on complex skills and understanding developed in our Year 4 to 6 learners.

Not sure how the market ended up but it seemed quiet in the van whilst I was there. Over the next 2 months we have some difficult logistics coming up as we don’t have anyone to tow the van, with a number of our regulars not available. Please let me know if you can help out. 

Have a great week

Rod 

 Some  Humour – A History Lesson

A noted psychiatrist was a guest speaker at an academic function where Mitch McConnel happened to appear. Mr McConnel took the opportunity to schmooze the good doctor a bit and asked him a question with which he was most at ease.  ‘Would Youi mind telling me doctor,’ he asked, ‘how do you detect mental deficiency in someone who appears completely normal?’ 

‘Nothing easier’ he replied ‘You ask a simple question which anyone could answer with no trouble. If the operation hesitates that puts you on track’

‘What sort of question?’ Asked McConnel 

‘Well you might ask, Captain Cook made 3 trips around the world and died during one of them. Which one?’

McConnel thought for a moment, and there said with a nervous laugh, ‘You wouldn’t happen to have another example, would you? I must confess I don’t know much about history’

Narooma Rotary Beacon 20 September 2018

Hello all, we have cancelled this week’s meeting due to a number of factors converging that meant holding a meeting was no longer practical.

Our guest speaker John Griffiths from the Kinema will be rescheduled to a later date. Hopefully we can draw a much bigger crowd for him then. John would have been feeling low anyway after the Wallabies were beaten by the Pumas Saturday night.

Last week’s meeting whilst the numbers were small a good time was had by all with much laughter and merriment. This will be the last meal from the Golf Club Bistro in its present state with it undergoing major renovations over the next week.

The Whale Watching raffle was drawn this week the winner being Crystal Atkins from Batemans Bay. Here is the article I have submitted to the media.

ROTARY CLUB OF NAROOMA WHALE WATCHING RAFFLE WINNER

Last Saturday saw the drawing of the Rotary Club of Narooma’s annual Whale Watching raffle donated by Narooma Charters. Nick Ingersoll and family were on hand at the Narooma Wharf to draw the winning ticket which belonged to Crystal Atkins of Batemans Bay. Crystal volunteers with the Animal Welfare League and was delighted to be this year’s winner. The whales are already on the way south and pods of up to 10 whales are a common sight on Narooma Charters tours. Narooma Charters has been a long-term supporter of Rotary and this year the raffle raised over $1,700 for Rotary’s charity partner Muddy Puddles. Muddy Puddles provides services to children with disabilities that assist them in reaching their full potential. President of the Rotary Club of Narooma, Rod Walker, congratulated Narooma Charters for their continued support and added that the assistance we receive from across the Narooma business community is outstanding and the main reason Rotary can do the work it does.

September is Literacy Month and Ange has organised for the 27th September two guest speakers from Narooma Primary School Katrina Cross & Tania Hextell. The title of their presentation is A Peek into Literacy and Numeracy in 2018.

Rod

The doctor is in (from Rotary Weekly)
Tyrone ‘Doc’ Bledsoe has a prescription to ensure that young black men attend and finish college: the Student African American Brotherhood. Bledsoe, past president of the Rotary Club of Reynolds Corners, Toledo, Ohio, USA, believes that with SAAB, he has made a breakthrough in solving the quandary that has bedevilled educators, sociologists, and politicians for decades: how to tear down the walls of institutionalized racism that have blocked the path of achievement for so many young men of colour. Click here to read the story   

Narooma Rotary Beacon 13 September 2018

The Week that Was

Sandra Doyle makes a presentation to Cate McMath

It seems that it was all quiet on the front this week with President, Rod and Vice president Laurelle away travelling. It was left to Past President Bob to run the show.

We were fortunate to have Cate McMath the CEO of Muddy Puddles with us as out guest speaker. Cate gave us a great insight into the growth and development of the organisation. Muddy Puddles was started by parents and community volunteers in the Batemans Bay area to support young people with a disability. The aim of Muddy Puddles is to build a ‘Community where all children are encouraged and enabled to reach their unique potential’

Muddy Puddles has just completed a state of the art Therapy Centre in Batemans Bay. The Centre was made possible through a grant provided by the NSW Government. Services provided by Muddy Puddles include:

·         Assessment and development plans

·         Individual therapy sessions

·         Group programs

·         Parent/carer support

Muddy Puddles provides support to children across the early years (0 – 6), primary years and teens and young adults (to 18 years).

Muddy Puddles will be a very worthy recipient of funds raised at the Eurobodalla Rotary Clubs Christmas Race Day.

Travel as a force for peace

By Rick Steves (From Rotary Weekly 7 September 2018)

Rick Steves, author of travel guidebooks and host of the public television series Rick Steves’ Europe, explains why he has come to view travel as a force for peace in the September issue of The Rotarian. Steves believes encouraging young people to travel, such as through Rotary Youth Exchange and Peace Fellowships, is one of the most practical investments we can make in peace. Says, Steves, “people to people connections help us learn that we can disagree and still coexist peacefully.” To read the full story click here

Some more humour (Thanks to Peter Bull and Diane Lovatt)

Notices in church bulletins

Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled Proceeds will be used to cripple children. The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water. ‘The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM – prayer and medication to follow

Narooma Rotary Beacon 6 September 2018

Rod’s Ramble

This week’s Ramble comes from Carwoola where we are celebrating my grandson Callum’s 18th birthday. Boy how the time flies. They had 10mm of rain the day we arrived which was very welcome, and it was good to see that there were significant falls in other areas. Already the countryside here has a green tinge. Let’s hope there is more rain on the way in the right places. Our club has made a $1,000 donation through a Rotary RAWCS project set up to help drought effected farmers. It is the same project as that being heavily promoted on Channel 9. The Drought Relief Appeal has been an incredible success. So far $9,487,377 has been raised to support drought-stricken farmers. The donations are being administered by our good friends at Rotary Australia and are being distributed to farmers in need with the help of the National Farmers’ Federation. For more detail on where the funds are going double click here.

We have sold all the Whale Raffle tickets raising just over $1,700 for Muddy Puddles our charity partner this year for the Moruya Races fundraiser involving Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma Rotary Clubs. Thanks to all who sold or bought tickets. I have to single out the efforts of Ange and Michael O’Connor who sold over 50% of the tickets. I am attending a joint meeting next week where I will have more detail on how we can assist on the two race days this year. Our guest speaker this week is the CEO of Muddy Puddles Cate McMath.

The First Four

On  23 February 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting. Harris’s desire for camaraderie among business associates brought together these four men and eventually led to an international organization of service and fellowship. Double click here to read about each of the first four Rotarians and about Harry L. Ruggles, who is often called the “fifth Rotarian.”

Cheers

Rod

The Editor

Laurelle, along with Steve, has jetted off to Europe for a couple months of touring and catching up with friends – we wish them well on their journey. I am filling in for a couple of weeks until Peter Bull returns from Queensland, so if you have an article for the Beacon please let me know.

Bob Aston

The Week that Was (Thanks to Frank for providing some information)

Frank and Iris’ long time friend, Peter Kasper at last week’s meeting

Forgetting that I was the fill in editor last week I forgot to take notes, so I have had to rely on my memory. We were fortunate to have Frank And Iris’ friend, Peter Kasper, with us. Peter gave us a great insight into his life growing up in Austria and travelling to many parts of the world including Australia. He also told us about some of the loves he has had along the way. Peter makes regular trips back to his second home – Australia.

Frank tells me he and Iris first met Peter when he joined the Canberra City Band about 20 years ago. He was studying his Masters at ANU at the time. Peter currently works for Pantec, an automation company that writes software to control big industrial machines like printers, weaving machines or robots. He plays clarinet in the Symphonic Wind Orchestra Vorarlberg and does very well at it.  You can listen by clicking here (you will need an iTunes account to hear it all).

Frank also tells me that he drives a Renau Zoe (Click the link to check it out it is a pretty cool car).  

Rod also updated us about our links to the virtual world including our webpage, Facebook page and You Tube presence. 

Attendance

A reminder that if you are an apology or if you are bringing guests please let me know by 4:00pm Tuesday, preferably by email.

Thanks Bob

Semi Annual Dues

If you have not paid your semi annual dues, please do so as soon as possible.

Getting Older (thanks to Diane Lovatt and Peter Bull)

 Senior Driving
As a senior citizen was driving down the motorway, his car phone rang.
Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him, “Vernon, I
just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on I-25.
Please be careful!”

“Hell,” said Vernon, “It’s not just one car. It’s hundreds of them!”

Becoming a Senior

Barb was lying in bed one night. Larry was falling asleep but Barb was
in a romantic mood and wanted to talk.

She said: “You used to hold my hand when we were courting.”
Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get
back to sleep.

A few moments later she said: “Then you used to kiss me… ”
Mildly irritated, Larry reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek
and settled down to sleep.

Thirty seconds later she said: “Then you used to bite my neck…”
Angrily, Larry threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed.

“Where are you going?” Barb asked.

“To get my teeth!”

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 30th August 2018

Rod’s Ramble

It was wonderful to catch up with our 2016 Tertiary Scholarship holder Melanie Miller at the markets on Sunday. She is currently doing a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at UNE.

I really enjoyed last week’s meeting where Dianne McInnes gave us an introduction to palmistry. It was a lot of fun.

This week we don’t have a formal guest speaker but encourage you all to come along with a story you are prepared to share. Perhaps the theme can be ‘My most Memorable  Moment’.

Thanks to all involved with Sunday’s market. Takings were Gate $770, Van $394.20, Wishing Well $158.65.

In preparing for our 60th Anniversary celebration, I read the history prepared for our 40th year by PDG Jack Ings. President at the time was Ian Thomlinson; in his message he said:

“The capacity of the Club to give service to the local community and the wider world over a period of 40 years is based on the strength and fellowship of its membership, a reputation that began in the Narooma Club with the Charter Dinner on 15 November 1958.”

Twenty years on these sentiments still ring true.

Cheers Rod

Out and About

President Rod thanks last week’s guest speaker Dianne McInnes.

Last week

A good crowd enjoyed another great speaker last week, thanks to Angie’s diligence. Dianne McInnes (mother of our own David McInnes and of course mother-in-law of Rachael) kept us well entertained with the basics of palmistry. She had us all checking out the shapes of our hands, the length of our fingers etc, and of course the various lines on our palms.  Another very enjoyable night.

October Rotary Markets hosts Club information day

Narooma Lions and Narooma Rotary Clubs are inviting various community clubs and organisations to join them in a Club Information Expo at the October Rotary markets on Sunday 28 October. The aim is to try and recruit new members.

Charmaine White is coordinating it our end. She said the aim is to let everyone in the community know what is available in our area and particularly how much service organisations like Rotary and Lions contribute to our community. ‘Our clubs do make a difference; we are the quiet achievers and could not meet our objectives without the many hours of volunteering by our members.’

She said many service clubs in our area are finding it difficult to recruit new members which makes it difficult to meet services and objectives.

Moruya Rotary has its own Drought Relief project

Moruya Rotarians have really got behind their own drought relief project with $6,000 being distributed with the help of the Rotary Club of West Wyalong. Moruya’s Board made $2,000 available from its Charity Account and various donations and a bucket collection raised a further $4,000.

Moruya’s Col Jay identified that the Rotary Club of West Wyalong serviced one of the worst affected areas; he’s working out details with West Wyalong Rotarian Pat Cleary who runs their Service Projects. Several Moruya Rotarians have gone over there with their caravans – Col and Bronwyn Jay, Steve Young, Rohan and Pauline Gleeson.

West Wyalong Rotarians, with possible help from local firms, will identify the worst hit families. The standard gift will be $200 in the form of a voucher for the local supermarket or possibly a cash cheque. Each envelope contains a letter signed by Moruya President Hack Ward that reads:

We are thinking of you.

Please accept this small gift from the members of the Rotary Club of Moruya. As the current drought spreads and worsens, the people of Australia are becoming more aware of how it impacts on our neighbours further inland. We hope that by sending some money to be spent with your local businesses that this will help you and your family as well as the district economy. Importantly, when things get better, our Club would encourage you to get in touch (contact details at our website www.moruya.rotaryd9710.org.au) and we will help you arrange a holiday in our beautiful district on the South Coast of NSW. Some members have properties suitable for camping and caravans and others will find you a bedroom I am sure. On behalf of all the members of the Rotary Club of Moruya, our best wishes to you and your family in these difficult times.

The Moruya convoy is expected back by Thursday.

Rotary Australia Drought Relief Appeal

The recent Channel 9 ‘Farm Aid’ Telethon, part of the national fundraising drive ‘Fighting for our farmers – Drought Relief Appeal’ was very successful. This appeal is a partnership between Rotary Australia (RAWCS), the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Channel Nine. So far the Appeal has raised over $8.65m since it was launched on 2 August.

Donations are being administered by Rotary Australia and distributed to farmers in need with the help of the National Farmers’ Federation. It has already distributed $1m through three organisations: $500,000 to Lions Club’s Need For Feed project to bolster hay runs (hay plus fuel) from Victoria up to NSW, including bringing hay across from Tasmania, and $250,000 each to the Queensland and New South Wales Country Women’s Associations to help farmers pay household bills and/or providing domestic water trucked from nearby towns.

NFF President Fiona Simson said the contribution was a great demonstration of the public’s support for Australia’s farmers; they recognised the importance of balancing the need for immediate relief with the need to handle the donated funds with extreme care.

“These funds have, by and large, been donated by everyday Australians wanting to support the bush through a tough time,” she said. “Our primary objective is to ensure relief is delivered in a way that is targeted, transparent, and beyond reproach. That’s why we’re thrilled to also be partnering with the CWA and Lions. Both organisations have a proven track record in the bush and a strong commitment to working with farmers through hard times. We will continue to work with RAWCS on charitable initiatives and with government on ensuring formal assistance programs are more accessible to those in need, and to increase our industry’s resilience for future droughts.”

Narooma Rotary Club has contributed $1,000 to this appeal.

Renewable Energy Expo 

Moruya Rotary will host this year’s Renewable Energy Expo on Saturday 20 October. It’s in St Mary’s Hall from 7.30am. It would be great to have some Narooma Rotarians drop by, and even help.

For those who love word plays, courtesy Peter Bull

A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

A will is a dead giveaway.

Police were summoned to a day-care centre where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

A bicycle can’t stand alone; it’s just two tired.

He had a photographic memory but it was never fully developed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 23rd August 2018

Rod’s Ramble

Guest speaker last week was Narooma Public School music teacher Michelle Garcia, seen here with Year 4 student Evie Reakes

Last meeting was full of energy. This was thanks to our guest speaker Michelle Garcia, music teacher at Narooma Public School, and her fellow presenters who included David Manning (yr 6 – a grandson of former Narooma Rotary President Kevin Young) and Evie Reakes (Yr 4). Kevin’s daughter also attended. It made me think that we should make more of an effort to maintain contact with former members and their families, maybe an annual dinner. What do others think?

Please return all Whale tickets to me at out meeting this week or before. We want to sell any remaining tickets at this Sunday’s Market. Thanks to all ticket sellers, the raffle has gone very well.

This week:

Our guest speaker is Dianne McInnes (mother of our own David McInnes and of course mother-in-law of Rachael). Her subject: ‘Palmistry – understanding your characteristics, personality and abilities by looking at your hands.’ Dianne is a perpetual ‘course taker’ so has learned about many interesting subjects. Her last sojourn into education was completing her PhD in 2016. Her thesis analysed the long-term effects of the Tamworth Institution for Boys on those incarcerated there in the 1960s and 1970s. She has had 127 books published on various subjects including biographies, histories and a four- volume encyclopedia on Papua New Guinea.

A REMINDER: Please ensure you email Bob Aston by 4:00pm on the Tuesday prior to a meeting if you will be away from that meeting or if you are bringing guests.

Out and about

Kevin Young’s grandson David Manning, right, was accompanied by guitar teacher Rob Cove

Last week

Michelle Garcia showed us some of the different music programmes she has developed at Narooma Public School in recent years, and  some of the range of musical instruments the school now has. There are lunch time and after school programmes.

Evie Reakes performed ‘Amazing Grace’

Kevin Young’s grandson David Manning, accompanied by guitar teacher Rob Cove, gave an impressive very first public performance, followed by Evie Reakes playing the piano and singing ‘Amazing Grace’ (and she is only in Year 4!). In thanking Michelle, Chris O’Brien expressed what many of us felt, ‘I am thrilled with the development of music programs and musical appreciation at Narooma School’.

We also had an impressive line-up of musical guests – Frank Eden’s daughter Lara Dodds-Eden )professional concert pianist from Canada, her good friend Katie Zagorski (freelance flautist and piccolo player en route from Hobart to Sydney to take up a new contract) and partner Matthew Wade (forensic psychologist),  and a friend of Chris O’Brien’s guitarist Steve Benic (of Kianga).

At last week’s meeting were Frank Eden’s daughter Lara Dodds-Eden )professional concert pianist from Canada, her good friend Katie Zagorski (freelance flautist and piccolo player) and partner Matthew Wade (forensic psychologist)

It was lovely to have Enid Holmes join us last week, seen here with Charmaine White

Coming up at Batemans Bay – the Duntroon Military Band

There are still tickets left for Bateamsn Bay Rotary’s Cabaret Dinner this Saturday evening but get in quick . Numbers are needed for catering and seating. Doors open at 6.30 and the Band will commence at 7pm. This is the Bay’s major community function for the year.

A thought from (a distant) Peter Bull

Of course I talk to myself; sometimes I need expert advice.

 

Narooma Rotary Beacon 16th August 2018

Rod’s Ramble

I have spent the last 10 days babysitting four granddogs and their house in Carwoola. The highlight was when it snowed one morning.

Thanks Laurelle for chairing the last meeting and congratulations again to Charmaine for her continuing efforts in Timor Leste. Her work not only reflects well on her but on Rotary also. It is our only International project and we are very grateful for her efforts.

Clifford A Randall RI Pres 1958-59

As we are in our 60th year I thought I would share the occasional Rotary historical anecdote. In 1958-59, the year we were chartered, there were 9,878 Rotary Clubs in the world and 464,245 Rotarians. The Rotary Foundation totalled $US624,711. Six new countries were represented – Ghana, Guyana, Jamaica, Madagascar, Nepal, and Rwanda. The R.I. President was Clifford A Randall from Milwaukee. His theme was ‘Help Shape the Future’.

This week 

Our guest speaker this week is Michelle Garcia, a music teacher at Narooma Primary School. Her presentation entitled ‘Music for the Primary Student’ will explain her new music program for students Kindergarten to Year 6. She will whizz through singing, rhythms and instruments leading us into the After School Music Program; you will meet the after school teachers, learn what they do and be entertained. We have a number of Rotarians away so please bring as many friends as you can.

Cheers Rod

Out and about

Last week

Charmaine White in Timor Leste

It was another interesting meeting last week.

Charmaine White spoke about her recent two weeks with the dental project in Timor Leste, her eighth ‘tour of duty’ on an aid project. It was a joint RAWCS, Lions and Carmelite nuns’ project.Charmaine has considerable admiration for the people of Timor Leste who she says “earned their independence”. She is impressed that everyone works – men, women and kids. Since independence they have greatly improved literacy. She said under the Portuguese, only 5% of the population was literate. Under the Indonesians,10%. Now it’s about 65%.

She also spoke about the ‘missing’ generation because of the wars; there’s a lot of younger people and older people, but not many in between. Unfortunately few of the younger generation respect the knowledge of their Elders about their land. Power was off eight times during her two weeks there, so they had to resort to their trusty back-up generator. She mentioned a solar panel project at the Carmelite orphanage that no longer worked because rats had eaten through the wires. Charmaine has followed it up on her return and has contacted the Australian supplier who will try to have it fixed by their local agent and the wires encased in conduit to hopefully prevent the problem recurring.

Also last week, membership was discussed at the Club Assembly and how to possibly reach newcomers to the area, perhaps in conjunction with other clubs and organisations.

Renewable Energy Expo

Moruya Rotary’s plans for hosting the 2018 Renewable Energy Expo are well advanced. It will be held on Saturday 20 October in St Mary’s school hall.

District Conference

Registrations are now open for the District Conference to be held in Cooma 5-7 October. Registrations and details are on the District website.

Would fortnightly meetings encourage younger members?

New Moruya President Hack Ward thinks they might; he has proposed that their Club trial fortnightly meetings with the hope of attracting younger members. He contacted three clubs who had made that change and received generally favourable views. All Moruya Rotarians will be given the opportunity to vote for or against the trial. Their meeting this week will hold a short forum to discuss the issue and then all members will be emailed asking them to vote. If 75% of those replying are in favour of the change, it will be trialled for a six month period from January 2019.

Coming up at Batemans Bay – the Duntroon Royal Military College Band

Cheers

Laurelle

Narooma Rotary Beacon 9th August 2018

Rod’s Ramble

‘Fun, Fellowship and Family’

Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Cr Liz Innes, Narooma Rotary Past President Bob Aston and President Rod Walker and Member for Bega Andrew Constance reflect on Narooma Rotary’s 60 years of service to the community.

Hi everyone

Nearly 100 people attended our 60th Anniversary and Changeover on Saturday night including special guests NSW Transport Minister and Member for Bega Andrew Constance, Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Cr Liz Innes and our District Governor Margaret Hassall. All feedback has been very positive. It was great to see so many different people from across our community joining us to celebrate 60 years of Narooma Rotary Club, including our fellow Rotarians from Moruya, Bega and Batemans Bay.

Bob ‘Techman’ Aston has put the presentations by former presidents Jack Ings, Ian Tomlinson and Peter Bull up on YouTube. The link is https://youtu.be/-DPq1-VTRAY or just search for Narooma Rotary.

Thanks to everyone who helped feed the Kidney Kar Rally on Sunday; 151 people enjoyed soup and a rissole or steak sandwich and some slice. We grossed $2,400. It ended up being a longer day than anticipated due to two accidents with the stragglers not arriving until 3.00pm. As usual Narooma Rotarians rose to the challenge.

The Board has approved an initial $1,000 donation to the 2018 Drought Relief Fund to support drought-affected farming families. The Fund, launched last week, is a partnership between Rotary Australia, the National Farmers Federation and Channel 9. The Board also approved a $300 donation to Meals on Wheels.

Tickets in the Whale Watching Raffle are selling fast at the two IGAs and at the Plaza. At this pace we will be sold out by the end of the month. If you are having trouble selling tickets, please let me know.

This Thursday: 

Laurelle will chair the meeting because I will be away. If you have something you would like to discuss at Club Assembly, please try and let Laurelle know in advance. Our speaker will be Charmaine who will talk about her recent work in Timor Leste.

Yours in Rotary, Rod

Out and About

Our 60th celebrations and Changeover

District 9710 Governor Margaret Hassall, NSW Minster for Transport and Member for Bega Andrew Constance and President Rod Walker.

What a great night on Saturday! The auditorium looked terrific as we celebrated 60 years of Narooma Rotary in grand style and the vibe was really wonderful. The central mats, made by Sandra for each table from some of the many banners we have been given over the years, set off each table. Congratulations came from Mayor Liz and Andrew, while our District Governor Margaret Hassall read out a congratulatory message from Rotary International President Barry Rassin.

Outgoing President Bob Aston awarded Sandra Doyle with Rotarian of the Year.

Highlights included messages of congratulations from three past Rotary Presidents unable to attend – Jack Ings, Ian Thomlinson and Peter Bull – followed by a PowerPoint review of Narooma Rotary’s 60 years’ of service (U tube link https://youtu.be/KLnkhbjKSuQ) . Both Mayor Liz and Andrew were particularly impressed by the Club’s past construction projects including the building of Narooma Sport & Leisure Centre. Andrew suggested we might like to consider a new Narooma Bridge as a future project, a suggestion quickly declined by President Rod.

We also incorporated our official changeover into the evening’s proceedings with immediate Past President Bob awarding Sandra Doyle with the Rotarian of the Year Award, and naming Frank Eden and John Doyle as Paul Harris Fellows.

Our Busking Festival winner Yasmine Russell came all the way from Wollongong to entertain us during the evening.

Kidney Kar Rally stops for a Rotary lunch

Helping feed the Kidney Kar Rally: Sandra Doyle, left, Ang Ulrichsen, Iris Domeier, Chris O’Brien Lynn Hastings and Laurelle Pacey

After the gala 60th celebration, many Rotarians fronted up next day to provide lunch for about 150 people from 45 cars as they passed through Narooma on the 30th annual Kidney Kar Rally. Several Rotarians had also found time to make soup (some very tasty combinations!) which we served to some very appreciative participants along with steak or rissole sandwiches with the works.

Spokesperson Marie Paine said the nine-day 4,000 km rally from Goulburn to Queanbeyan via Ballarat raises funds to support Kidney Australia’s Kidney Kids Camps. These camps allow kids with kidney disease to enjoy camps and activities while still receiving the necessary medical care via the mobile dialysis bus.

Cooking up a storm at the Kidney Kar Rally were John Rungen, left, John Doyle, Bob Aston and Frank Eden.

The Rally route travels through many towns and villages as well as uses a number of tracks through National Parks and State Forests. Each car has to raise its own sponsorship. Narooma local Heather Snell was among the participants.

More on Rotary drought donations

Further to what President Rod has said about our initial donation to the recently launched Drought Relief Fund, a partnership between Rotary Australia, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and Channel 9… As a registered charitable organisation, Rotary Australia will collect and administer  donations which will be tax deductible.

The NFF, the farmers’ peak body, will direct funding to the relief organisations best placed to make an impact for farmers on the ground. It has undertaken to ensure 100% of funds collected are applied to the large gambit of needs currently being experienced by farmers, including fodder and water shortages, help with everyday living expenses and access to health and financial support services.

Whale Watching Raffle, Rotary Races and Muddy Puddles

John Rungen, left and President Rod Walker sell some tickets to Narooma local Joan Lynch.

Money raised through this year’s Whale Watching Raffle will go as our contribution to the combined fundraising by the combined Rotary Clubs of the Eurobodalla and the Christmas Races at Moruya in December. Muddy Puddles will be this year’s recipient of these efforts by Rotary and Moruya Jockey Club. Representatives from Muddy Puddles addressed Moruya Rotary last week, so a few facts taken from the Moruya bulletin include:

  • It’s a not for profit organisation established in 2014 by a group of parents of disabled children who were travelling great distances to find support services.
  • Been difficult establishing the body
  • It is a Registered Provider with NDIS of disability services for children in Eurobodalla.
  • It’s run by CEO Cate McMath and a staff of part time helpers with the support of a group of volunteers.
  • The clientele are divided into groups aged 0 to 6 and 7 to teenage. The average number of children under treatment is around 80 to 90 per month.
  • The present premises in the Industrial Estate are inadequate and a new a new therapy centre is being constructed, opening 19 October.

President Rod’s Trivia Quiz

The trivia quiz returns due to popular demand. Sandra Doyle was our winner last time. First in with the correct answer will assume her title as Rotary Quiz Master.

  1. Who was the legendary Benedictine monk who invented champagne?
  2. Name the largest freshwater lake in the world?
  3. Where would you find the Sea of Tranquility?
  4. What is someone who shoes horses called?
  5. What item of clothing was named after its Scottish inventor?

More photos from Saturday night

Narooma Rotary’s 2018-2019 Board: Laurelle Pacey, front left, President Rod Walker, John Rungen; Bob Aston, back left, Lynn Hastings, Ang Ulrichsen, John Doyle

Denise Rungen, Narooma Rotarians Michael O’Connor and John Rungen at Narooma Rotary’s 60th celebrations on Saturday night.

Having cut the cake, past presidents of Narooma Rotary joined in the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Club. Shown are Brice Grimmond, left, Ang Ulrichsen, current President Rod Walker, Marilyn Gibson, Norm Hoyer, Georgina Staley, Bob Antill, Laurelle Pacey and Bob Aston.

Narooma Rotarian Charmaine White and Jock and Jenny Munro at Narooma Rotary’s 60th celebrations on Saturday night.

Narooma Rotary Beacon 26th July 2018

Rod’s Ramble – ‘Fun, Fellowship and Family’

“Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.”

At Mama Mia – Here we go again: Heather Ferguson , left, Sandra Doyle and Chris O’Brien

Mama Mia premiere

Last Thursday we had a great night at the Mama Mia premiere. Eighty-two people attended and by all accounts everyone had a good time. The movie was well received. Thanks to Angie and the catering team for their effort and to all those who donated to the raffle, and to Rachel and her mother-in-law for selling the tickets. We made over $700 dollars for the Polio campaign, a good result.

Lynda Ord, Lynda’s friend and Ang Ulrichsen at Mama Mia recently.

Planning

I emailed you all a plan for this year in which I highlighted some critical omissions:

  • We could do with another Director to take on co-ordination of our Youth programs and the Duck Race.
  • We still need a President Elect for 2019-20 to prepare for the next year and co-ordinate International, Foundation and ARH activities.

Both these roles can take as much or as little time as you like. No one will be judging your performance; we just need someone to step up. If you are interested let me know.

Rotary in Parliament

Trent Zimmerman is a Member of the House of Representatives and a Rotarian. He recently paid tribute in Parliament to the work of local Rotary Clubs, saying ‘Rotarians do an incredible amount for our community’. He said he had enjoyed his own involvement in his local Rotary Club over many years and encouraged others to think about becoming a member of their local Rotary Club. For more, check this link: https://www.facebook.com/TrentZimmerman/videos/2186660088233702/

This week: Our guest speaker is Julie Griffin

Julie is a Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse. Her topic: ‘It’s complicated…. Is it possible to live well with Diabetes?’ Julie has been nursing since 1980 and trained at both Mater Misericordia and Royal North Shore Hospitals in Sydney. Since 2008 she has been working on Diabetes, and currently works full time for Eurobodalla Community Health covering Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay areas.

Please don’t forget to let Bob know if you are bringing guests.

Out and About

Charmaine reports on Timor Leste

Our very own Rotarian dentist Charmaine White in Timor Leste recently.

After meeting up with the Week 1 Team in Dili (comprising two translators, one nurse and three dentists), we headed off to Maubara to get equipment and dental supplies. We drove through Baliabo and on to Maliana near the West Timorese border, a long bumpy drive of over six hours. We were lucky to find a nice place to stay; a seminary that had been converted into accommodation. Food was local fare – rice nasi goreng, mi Goring.  We even found some pasta and pizza a few times

Week 1:  We worked in three places – the local Maliana hospital, a local school and a village Cailaku that had never seen a dentist. We got to see community and school students. Examinations 838, extractions 268 and fillings 206 plus some scaling as well. Our main aim was to relieve pain. Some of the teeth would have been sore for months if not years. Betel nut chewing is still a big problem in the Maliana district.
Week 2: A dentist team swap at Dili  – one flew out and one joined us. Then we spent three days in Bogoro School with 900 students. The last two days were at Maubara clinic which is a room In the Carmelites convent. The local dental nurse Nico had screened all the children so we just had to do the work mainly extractions (258) and fillings (197).
Overall we saw 1,261 children in the two weeks. We extracted 527 teeth; only three refused treatment i.e. ran away or cried. There are so many brave children in Timor Leste We filled 406 teeth, did a few scales (49) and prevention on teeth fissure seals.

It’s a worry… courtesy Peter Bull

I was at Melbourne Airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, ‘Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?’

To which I replied, ‘If it was without my knowledge, how would know?’ He smiled knowingly and nodded, ‘That’s why we ask’.