Hi everyone and Happy New Year

 

 

 It seems like forever since the last Sparkle report and is hard to get back into gear!

Our last 2021 event was the Christmas Party at The Independent, Gembrook and it was good to be able to induct a new member that evening.  Welcome to Carol Cain – I am sure that you make many friends within the group and enjoy time with us and the Community.

 

It was a shame that the “Burnt Chop” at Roy’s home was postponed, however those of us that could attend the “Burnt Pizza night” the following week had an entertaining evening and enjoyed seeing each other again.  Thank you to Tina McInerney for opening up your home.

 

It may only be a few weeks into 2022 however COVID has already impacted on Rotary. The RYLA training course at Rawson Village 17^th – 22^nd was postponed, so our candidate Brittany Barry (courtesy of Barry Plant) was unable to attend. A zoom session has run to tide them over.

 

Kerry Champness was hospitalised with COVID, several members or their families, DG Daryl Moran, his wife Jenny plus AG Mark Balla all succumbed.

 

Our events are being affected.  The All American and the Kids Fun Run with Thomas has been postponed and the rescheduled – “attempt 7” Deb Ball will know it’s fate in the next week or so.

 

Over the break work has continued on the RAWCS Storm grant.  Two applications have been submitted from the Hills Cluster Clubs.  1. To print a children’s book – The day of the big storm 2. Funds for SES. A 3^rd is being worked on,

At last week’s President’s meeting we were reminded that Conference is not far away – Friday 25^th March – Saturday 26^th so it is time to book in.  Log in information is below in Sparkle each month and it is sourced via Daryl Moran’s website: Conference 2022 https://dg9810for2021-22.org/  booking  via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/809916?bof=1.  Clubs have been encouraged to supply a 2-minute video for the event and Kris already has ours in hand. Gayle and Lyn have the theme outfit worked out – can’t reveal here though!

 

DG Elect, Ken Miller sadly missed out on his trip to America - to add insult to injury had to attend zoom meetings in the middle of our night.  Ken reported last week that the Theme for 2022/2023 has been released and entitled “Imagine Rotary” The logo is a Circle with Aboriginal dots in it and a stick underneath. The colours are – green- Environment, purple – polio and white – peace. This is in keeping with John Lennon’s song Imagine.  “Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try, no hell below us, above us only sky, imagine all the people living for today.  Imagine there’s no countries it isn’t hard to do, nothing to kill or die for and no religion too, imagine all the people living life in peace - Chorus – You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one, I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will be as one.  All very apt!

 

Further to the email I distributed a couple of days ago regarding the Tonga volcanic eruption and tsunami.  If you would like to donate the appeal can be accessed at https://directory.rawcs.com.au/42-2021-22

Finally, a reminder that “Foundation” allows for funds to be invested and then be allocated as Grants to support Club projects.  Many members from the Club have elected to support the Fund and have their donations made automatically monthly, quarterly or annually.  If you feel that you would like to enrol you can do so by the link: my.rotary.org/rotary-direct, return a completed Rotary Direct enrolment form or talk to Vicki Van Den Bergan as Vicki is looking after Foundation this year.

 

Looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday at The Paradise – please let Lorna know if you are not attending.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Yours in Rotary, 

 

Shalini Penny, President