Sad news to learn of the passing of Margo Morris, wife of past member Dave Morris who passed a few years ago. A fine lady who continued to keep up with club news via the Grapevine.
From harsh beginnings guest Speaker Peter Pal has achieved much in his life and is dedicated to helping others. We thank Peter for his presentation and wish him well in his endeavours. Thanks also to Rob Head for sourcing and hosting.
Covid Vaccinations: As we hopefully ease out of lock-downs, all our activities will need to adhere to government regulations. I assume most, if not all members and partners are double vaccinated by now.
Anyone needing help to download apps for QR scanning or to add your covid vaccination certificate to your phone, let us know. There are members who can assist you. It could cost you a coffee though.
Please convey our grateful (and belated ) thanks to the members and associates of the Rotary Club of North Balwyn for their recognition of Geoff who was a member of your club for 15 years. He enjoyed participating in the club and forged many friendships over the time.
He continued his association with Rotary by being an active member of the North Balwyn Men’s Shed. Thank you for honouring him.
Sending an E mail was not my preferred method to acknowledge your kindness but I considered this method would be OK in the circumstances.
On behalf of my family
Russell, Leonie and Fiona ,
Kind Regards, Norma Griffiths
(photo from Geoff's days as Sergeant at Arms for the club when we were exposed to his brilliant, dry, laconic humour!)
While student support continues, because of Covid we are waiting to commence three important projects:
- a partnership with Vietnam National University to assess water (quality and quantities) for the five communities now being supported by District 9800 Rotary clubs.
- an infant dental project with dentists from Melbourne applying fluoride paste on young children's teeth and training clinic staff, teachers and parents for sustainability.
- eye-screening in the five communities. Our partners, Optometry Vietnam, are the leading trainers of optometrists. Universities have agreed pro bono assistance for the water and optometry projects. Our Rotary counterparts are being cautious until they are confident that it is safe to implement the projects.
For those who missed the news, two Rotary Clubs were chartered in Vietnam this year, the first in almost 50 years! Thank you RCNB members and friends for continuing to support needy students. Scholarships give hope to young people for better lives. Three especially needy children remain that still require sponsors - if you are able to help, please contact Rowan McClean.
When I returned home I've completed year 12 in 2015. It was quite difficult going back to school with no one I know but I made lots of new friends.
The year I came back my family hosted Lara, an exchange student from Brazil, during 6 months. It was nice to spend time with exchange students even after my exchange.
After year 12 I left my parent's house and moved to Besançon. I studied to be a nurse for three years. During this time I was also a scout leader, my group and I would organize one weekend a month and 2 weeks of scout camp during the summer holidays.
When I graduated I moved to Strasbourg, in Alsace, to work in a big hospital. I work as an intensive care unit nurse. I really enjoy my job.
I met Eva at my work and we are now living together. We have a young dog, Pinto 😊
I started playing rugby when I came to Strasbourg, with 2 or 3 training sessions per week I spend most of my time at work, playing rugby or with friends.
Since I came back I mostly traveled in Europe during my holidays. My brother left for a year abroad in Canada this august so I hope I will be able to visit him in may 2022. And of course I Hope I will be able to come back to Australia very soon!
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often runs in families. I remember that my father had high blood pressure and took the prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs available at the time. In the 1950s the effectiveness of these drugs was variable and there were occasions when his blood pressure dropped too low, and he felt faint. My mother had low blood pressure as I remember there were occasions she had a small glass of brandy to 'pick her up', at least I thought low blood pressure was the reason.
At 45 years of age, my systolic blood pressure was 120, but at 60, and running a business, I was shocked to find it was tracking up near 200. How could this be? You felt well, you were active, didn't smoke, I was not overweight and had low cholesterol readings, yet further measurements over the next month showed readings over 180. Was it genetics?
The Voluntary Service Fund has been established to encourage all those who wish to do so, to make voluntary contributions to our SERVICE account in lieu of their normal weekly Rotary expenses.
A reminder that the Yarra Park Playground has, yet again, been pushed back and will now take place on November 21st (Covid permitting) and there will be a letterbox drop the weekend before to get the message out.
Here is a link to a short video about the project. It's in a Dropbox but you should be able to open it without downloading it to your Dropbox account (for those who have one).
Gardening activity is in lockdown but planning must go on for the better times ahead. Please check the roster and check your situation, we need your help in this important service to our needy owners. Spring is on its way.
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Kew Golf Club Meals
This all comes under The Rotary Foundation, our own Charity and all Rotarians Charity of Choice.
Meeting rosters are back!!
