This week has been a whirlwind for me as I prepare for my last day in the Philippines and look forward to coming home. I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Jun Aventura, an outstanding member of the Rotary Club of Manila, RI District 3810. I was surprised to learn that their club comprises only male members but boasts over 200 members in total. Dr. Aventura is also part of the 501st Legion, and it was delightful to connect with a fellow Rotarian and Legion member.
During my stay, I discovered a community around the hotel and shopping centre dedicated to caring for stray cats, known as Cats of Trinoma. They have created little shelters within the shopping centre to protect the cats from the heat. The kindness and humility of these people were truly inspiring, making it a memorable experience.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to PDG PP Ken Miller for graciously leading our club meeting on Tuesday night.
Did you know? The Rotary Club of Manila was formed in 1919 and holds the distinction of being the first Rotary club established in Asia. It started with just 38 original members. Today, there are over 800 Rotary clubs in the Philippines, contributing significantly to Rotary International's expansion into one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. This tremendous growth is largely due to Rotarians' dedicated efforts to eradicate polio in the Philippines.
I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
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!
Club Meeting - 4 June 2024
President's Introduction - Vice President PDG Ken Miller stood in for President Sangeeta
Welcome back to Shalini from overseas.
Welcome to our visitors Peter Maloney, Garry McGough and Matt Strickland who have come to talk about the Big Freeze which is now happening in Emerald.
It is the 10-year anniversary of the Big Freeze that Neale Daniher and his family put on to raise the profile of Motor Neurone Disease.
Welcome to our guest speaker Barb Lawrence and Liz Newman both from RC Lilydale.
Announcements
Remember to book for D9815 changeover on June 29th
Our changeover is Sun 23rd June
We received a lovely thank you email from Esther from Tender Foot School, Nairobi Kenya (which Tina read out)
Introduced the Chairperson – Allan Douglas, the incoming chair of KFRWPB.
Chairperson - Allan Douglas - Introduction to Guest Speakers Matt, Peter & Gary - Fight MND
Matt Strickland:
Matt moved to Emerald 15 ½ years ago, and in 2015 29th April received news he had MND
Neurologist said, “You’ve got between 2 and 3 years to live.” - He didn’t know how to react, given he was told there was no cure, no effective treatments, no hope.
His kids were 11, 9, and 6 in 2015 and he and his wife didn’t tell the kids for 10-11 months
For the 1st 2 months went into his shell a bit..how was he to find his inner strength?
There were lots of tears then.
His speech was a little bit worse after 6 months, couldn’t kick a footy (though some said he never could *laugh*), and he was losing his balance.
The Big Freeze had been around for 2 years by then.
After 2 years, there was a fully-funded drug trial - Lighthouse which he ha been on since.
After 6 months, 35 people were on the trial, and of 10 people who started the drug trial, 3 are on it today. There has been lots of progress has been made in research. Research has come a long way in 10 years, imagine what it will be like in 10 years’ time.
Important to remember though that everyone’s MND is different.
Neale Daniher has given him extended quality of life. Has got to know him over the years. Neale still maintains a positive mindset.
The Big Freeze gives people hope and so does seeing people wearing Beanies...now it’s time to pay it forward.
Peter Maloney:
Matt is the reason why Peter and Gary got involved with the Big Freeze. Matt is an inspiration.
Peter was in Rotary in Cheltenham and then in Emerald and would still be if it were not for his RSL commitment.
Peter was told, “We want you to go in the Big Freeze to support Matt and Sarah” and so he didn’t hesitate, wants to support Matt.
They want to raise as much money as possible selling beanies - so please buy one.
Last week raised $7,000 in donations and raffle.
Gary McGough:
Being part of this is one of the most privileged things he’s ever done in his life.
The $25 beanie is worn as a badge, it supports MND - give everything you’ve got, get a beanie and wear it with pride. Just seeing people wearing the Beanie gives sufferers so much hope.
Open your hearts and support MND.
Chairperson - Allan Douglas - Introduction to Guest Speaker Barb Lawrence
Barb has been in Rotary (Lilydale Branch) less than 2 years. She started by thanking Susi for inviting her tonight and to Liz for her support. Some notes from Barb's presentation that she previously presented at the Warrnambool District Conference:
She is part of a program that delivers Care Packs to patients who attend that IPU (IN Patient unit) that is part of Eastern Health, located near the Maroondah Hospital.
The Reason Lilydale Rotary does this is to show patients that Rotary cares - and it is part of the priority set out by RI President Gordon - mental health for RCs throughout the world.
The program is about Community Service - building communities and promoting acts of kindness
Because some patients when admitted aren’t wearing anything, the are put into hospital gowns, items are removed to prevent harm to self or others e.g. belts, shoe laces - but because of this initiative, on their bed is a care pack from the Rotary Club of Lilydale.
The project is a a $10k per annum project (as at Nov 23) and Barb wants it to be ongoing (it’s not a good look if they stop it because they run out of funding). There is a $1,650 commitment from 5 additional clubs per annum, and it costs $6.60 per care pack
The Rotary Club Care Pack Contents:
Grooming, treats, activities, book to stimulate their minds, crosswords, sudoku for culturally and linguistically diverse adults, picture books for those with an intellectual disability.
Wishlist – clothes (including underwear and footwear), craft supplies, spa day supplies, soccer balls/basketballs,
Discharge bags which are more dignified than the hospital bags.
Communication book between the patients and the staff; a journal to record their thoughts if they wish, stress egg, different hand cream scent helps them to get over a scent if it has triggered something.
Hand cream is donated free of charge from Pinchapoo
Lilydale Rotary Club don’t expect to get anything back, they don’t expect anyone to become Rotarians etc - they just want to support the community.
Chairperson - Allan Douglas - Introduction to Guest Speaker Liz Millman
Liz has been a Rotarian for 8 years and is producing a magazine, “The Hills Community Focus.” The reason for the magazine is the during covid, Liz found it difficult to find out what was going on. The magazine is supported by Emerald Community House. IT will be distributed in the community 4 times a year. The next copy comes out in 3 weeks’ time to people we might know who don’t get out and about.
N.B. Our Club will be able to submit an article about our activities in each edition.
Committee Reports
Rotary Club of Emerald & District Market: 8th June 2024 - PP PHF Catherine Elfick
The motion was passed by the Board that it continue through June, July, August if conditions are met. We haven’t got 15 stalls therefore we are not running the market during the winter months. The new Board will decide if the market will continue from September onwards.
International - PP PHF Tina McInerney
Ray Adams joined our Club and was a terrific ambassador. He started Tender Foot School in Nairobi. He became a Masai warrior. Our Club contributes to that school and our members sponsor 1 child.
It demonstrates that one good idea from one good Rotarian can continue for years.
Tina read out a thank you letter from Esther at the Tenderfoot school in Nairobi. The thank you letter was for sponsorship funds.
ShelterBox: next week we’ll talk about an event planned by ShelterBox.
Talkin It Up - PP PHF Gloria Hargreaves
A second round of flyers has been printed in different sizes. A huge thanks to all who’ve said “yes” they are coming. There are still jobs to fill for the event, so please fill in your preference. For the event, there will be showbags handed out to attendees.
Meeting Close was delivered by Vice President PDG Ken
Our Club is giving a substantial donation to MND - and Good luck Peter who hasn’t had an ice bath in 78 years. What a fantastic talk by all of our guest speakers.
Next week: Pat Armstrong the Environment Chair for D9815 and a disciple of the environment will be our guest speaker.
Other Information
ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) Positions
Operations Director:
ROMAC is looking for a new Operations Director, who is a very significant, senior member of the team in this successful Multi District Rotary Project. The person must be a member of a Rotary Club in Zone 8.
The ROMAC Operations Director is a member of the ROMAC Board and a director of 2 charities. The Operations Director works with the Medical Director to identify possible ROMAC patients and then, with Regional Chairs and Operations Managers to oversee the approval, management, treatment and rehabilitation of the children.
We are looking for a very organised person with good leadership and project management skills, who is competent with information technologies. The Operations Director needs excellent verbal and written communication skills and a strong desire to help others and make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
HR, Training and Recruitment Chair:
ROMAC has a current vacancy for a HR, Training and Recruitment Chair. The HR, Training and Recruitment Chair leads a small team of volunteers, is a member of the ROMAC Engagement Committee and the ROMAC Management Committee, and must be a current member of a Rotary Club in Zone 8.
The role reports to the ROMAC Chair and is responsible for human resource management. It is an important role because ROMAC relies totally on volunteers to manage its activities. Their recruitment, induction, onboarding, training and performance management are key to the organisation’s success.
HR and training qualifications would be an advantage but are not essential. Experience in HR Management and adult learning would be an advantage, as well as previous experience leading a multi-tasked team or a Rotary District or Club. Excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills are required, as well as information technologies. Must be organised and able to meet deadlines.
To learn more and receive a copy of either role description, please email the Chair, D’Arcy Walsh, at chair@romac.org.au or call him on 041 884 4170.
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 $50
WiNNER: A FUTURE LUCKY PERSON
Chocolate Winner
Shalini
Duty Roster
Duty Roster 4 June 2024
Fellowship
Penny, Shalini
Chairperson
Douglas, Allan
Response
Adams, Marcus
Furnishings
Shaw, John
Guest Minder
Henderson, John
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.
