I trust this message finds you all well and content after a week filled with its own unique blessings. For those who may be feeling under the weather, my sincerest wishes for a swift recovery. Remember, you're not alone—your Rotary family stands ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
Last Sunday was truly special as we had the honour of meeting Rotary International President Gordon McInally. His presence was not just inspiring but a reminder of the profound commitment to service above self that defines our Rotary ethos. It was a beautiful gathering shared with a few of our club members, and the insights shared will undoubtedly continue to guide us in our endeavours.
A heartfelt thank you to our guest speaker, Pat Armstrong, whose presentation left us all enriched and enlightened. Special appreciation goes to Scarlett Byron-Thomsen, our very own EarlyAct Environmental Leader, whose speech was nothing short of remarkable. PP Emma, please extend our gratitude to Scarlett and her family for gracing us with their presence at last Tuesday night's event.
Our recent board meeting on Wednesday showcased the outstanding work of our AOS chairs, and I couldn't be prouder of the progress we've made. With a few more events on the horizon this term, I eagerly anticipate the continued success and impact.
Ever wondered about the term 'Rotary Ann'? Prior to a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in 1987, Rotary was predominantly a men's organization, and the wives of members were often referred to as "Rotary Anns." However, with the evolution of our organization and the increasing presence of women in all facets of life, this term has understandably evolved. Today, we embrace inclusivity, with women representing the fastest-growing segment of Rotary's membership.
As we approach the long weekend, I urge you all to take a moment for yourselves and your loved ones. May it be filled with joy, relaxation, and safety.
Warm Regards,
President Sangeeta
In order to confirm numbers for meetings at the pub, please ensure that you communicate the following to PP PHF Lorna:
notify if NOT attending by 12 noon on the MONDAY before the meeting
and notify if bringing guests or visitor
notify at any time about future absences and holidays.
Thank You!
Meeting - 4 June 2024
President Sangeeta's Introduction
A warm welcome to our guests:
Scarlett Byron-Thomsen, an EPS EarlyAct representative, joined by her family (Piper, Eden and Adam)
Holly - the Chaplain at EPS who is also involved in the EarlyAct Program
Marcus's neighbours: Anna St.Clair & Maureen Davidson
Patricia Armstrong former chair of ESRAG (Guest Speaker)
Seargent inducts new member.
Seargent Gayle Barrot introduced our club's newest member, Anna St.Clair. Anna's sponsor is Lynn Beckworth.
Chairperson's - Andrew McAllister - Introduction to Guest Speakers
Our chairperson welcomed us all on this fresh winter evening.
Andrew congratulated Anna St. Clair on joining the club and being inducted at this evenings meeting.
EarlyAct @ EPS
Andrew also welcomed Scarlett, who has come along to the meeting to hear Pat Armstrong speak. Scarlett is the Environmental Leader for the EarlyAct Program at EPS. This program is being driven by Kerith and Paula who met with the students recently, where the students made cards and biscuits for local first responders (CFA, Police, Ambulance Officers). The students of the program are also currently raising funds - via the container deposit scheme - for new drinking taps at their School Oval.
Scarlett spoke to the group (which has been paraphrased below):
Hi, I’m Scarlett. I'm part of Early Act. I was elected Environmental Leader because I care about the future. I want to live in a healthy habitat, to take care of the earth, animals and ourselves. Our goals include growing plants in a few classrooms in readiness to plant in the garden or to sell for fundraising. The benefit of this will be to improve the quality of school grounds and its appearance - students get to nurture the plant like a class pet , and this assists with wellbeing, mental health and our connection to the natural world.
Guest Speaker - Pat Armstrong
Prior to welcoming our Guest Speaker, Pat Armstrong (the Environment Chair for D9815) our Chairperson shared some words of wisdom that we should all be mindful of each and every day: "We don’t own the earth, we borrow from the future".
Notes from Patricia Armstrong's presentation:
Pat has been a professional educator for many years and involved with environmental projects run by Rotary for a number of years, including being Chair of ESRAG in 2023 (ESRAG is the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) - https://esrag.org/membership/
ESRAG has 1800 members across 90 countries. Over 85 Rotary Districts have an Environmental committee, including our very own Club.
In Rotary there are 6 key areas of focus: Biodiversity, Climate, Food systems, Pollution, Circular Economy and of course Sustainabile Livings - or “Enough for all, for ever”
Pat shared a number of projects that have been delivered by ESRAG:
Solvatten (safe drinking water) – delivered to areas in Africa – has multi benefit and addresses many of the areas of focus listed above
Light up Timor Leste - this was achieved by a global grant ($85K project, supported by multiple groups). The initiative provides pay as you go lighting systems (solar panels & three lamps). The areas of focus include community economic development. The program installed 500 systems. There were multiple benefits: no only could people work at night, study, go outside without fear of injury, it also brought people together through work (the program was delivered during covid, so local people in the country worked together).
Carteret Islands - supply of medical equipment
District 9810 tree project – this project restored habitat through the planting of 10,000 trees.
Pat also referred to the Flight Carbon Estimator (https://esrag.org/flight-carbon-estimator/) which is an initiative to allow people to 'see' their carbon footprint, and to be able to donate to offset the impact. The funds go to the Environment Committee to be used on Rotary climate based projects.
What's the take away message? Environment projects have multiple benefits to the community. It's important that members consider the ways that they can make an impact.
Pat also suggested that if anyone has ideas, share these with the ESRAG, within your own club, continue to inspire other clubs, & encourage club representatives to join the 9815 environment committee.
Marcus provided the response to our guest. He noted that 4-5 years ago Rotary International said that the environment needs to be a focus. Marcus thanked Pat for truly being a leader in this space, leading the way with the environment. Marcus presented a gift of Honey from Tina’s bees to Pat as a thankyou for sharing her environment stories and projects.
In our Emerald district, Allan Douglas has continued on dealing with environmental issues. We take this seriously, and our Past DG, Ken Miller, will be taking on the Environmental Committee next year.
Marcus also thanked Scarlett for being a leader - he presented her with a Rotary Mug.
Committee Reports
Youth Committee - Marcus Adams
EarlyAct: Marcus thanked Kerith and Paula for their magnificent work so far.
ESC Mentoring Program: Marcus introduced the mentoring program which had it's first meeting between mentors and students this evening. Rotary was approached by ESC to participate in the program and we hope that it will have continued success into the future. There are five students, four College Captains and a Senior Student Council Representative They are paired with five Rotary Members. The pairs are: Marcus-Kyle (who is Toni-Anne's niece), Andrew-Mitchell, Tina-Lily, Amber-Cadence & Ian A-Charlotte.
MUNA team: There are four Yr9 students who are part of the team (modern united assembly)> They will find out soon what country they represent - Marcus will keep us all updated.
RYLA: Thanks to Toni-Anne, there is a young fellow to take part in the program.
President Elect - Kelly McAllister
Kelly flagged that next year we will be needing a new Seargent. Kelly flagged the idea of a rotating Seargent and circulated a form for members to note their thoughts on this new idea.
Community - Emma Clark
Emma wanted to give a pre-thank you to Adam for collecting stationary in-kind items, will deliver to warehouse on Thursday.
Additional Items:
The Monash Health Foundation's Donor Appreciation Event will be attended by Kerith and Lynn. We look forward to hearing more about this event soon (and even sharing pictures! Hint hint....please send).
Meeting Close was delivered by President Sangeeta.
For good food, good fellowship and the opportunity for service through Rotary we give thanks
Rotary Toast
To Australia and the people of Australia (toast) To Rotary International (toast)
4 Way Test
Of the things we think say and do
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
CHOCLOTTO JACKPOT $75
WiNNER: A FUTURE LUCKY PERSON
Chocolate Winner
Ian Wakefield
Duty Roster
Duty Roster 11 June 2024
Fellowship
Umesh, Sid
Chairperson
McAllister, Kelly
Furnishings
Wakefield, Ian
Duty Roster 18 June 2024
Fellowship
Wilson, Susi
Chairperson
McAllister, Andrew
Response
Moulday, Melinda
Furnishings
Henderson, John
Guest Minder
Ritchie, John
Duty Roster 25 June 2024
Fellowship
McInerney, Tina
Chairperson
Cain, Carol
Response
Jones, Paula
Furnishings
Ritchie, John
Guest Minder
Shaw, John
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Ian Ash
June 14
Kerith Cummins
June 14
John Shaw
June 20
Adam Willems-Jones
June 22
Russ Nielsen
June 25
Spouse Birthdays
Ian Ash
June 14
Ali Bowyer
June 18
John Shaw
June 20
Adam Willems-Jones
June 22
Brian Radford
June 25
Join Date
John Shaw
June 10, 1997
27 years
Kerith Cummins
June 14, 2022
2 years
Sid Umesh
June 17, 2023
1 year
Catherine Elfick
June 20, 2002
22 years
Tina McInerney
June 20, 2003
21 years
Ken Miller
June 21, 2005
19 years
Community Notices
Events
We are regularly asked to share information on other Rotary Club or community group events. Rather than list all of them in Sparkle, please check out them out HERE
Emerald Village Community
Emerald Village Community update can be found HERE
PP PHF Shalini Penny adds a regular paragraph about Rotary in this newsletter.
