From the Pen of the President...
Concern for our
environment and the impact it has on everyone and our future is becoming an
increasingly important topic that is receiving more attention and focus by
influential and pressure groups. For example, a greater emphasis is being
placed on “ESG” by investment funds and managers. This acronym stands for
environmental, social and governance. How well companies and groups score on an
assessment of their ESG ratings will impact on their ability to attract investments
in future.
Pressure is
building on banks and financial institutions to withhold or reduce their
financing of projects that are detrimental to the environment and that
contribute to global warming. For example, several banks are being requested to
reduce or terminate the financing of coal burning electricity generating power
stations.
That is why an
emphasis on the seventh avenue of service by Rotary and the formation of an
environmental committee within the club is a very welcome development. It is pleasing
to note the response of many of our members who will be attending a breakfast
and consideration of what we can do for the environment at Delta Park on
Friday. I am sure that this committee’s activities will play an increasingly
important role in our club going forward.
Costa Qually
President
Tailpiece
Definition of negligent: An adjective that describes a
condition in which you absent-mindedly answer the door in your nightgown
Last Friday....
- Attendance: Pam had excused herself for Friday's meeting but had sent in her report via President Costa. Attendance was slightly down in August, with an average of 23 members taking part in meetings via Zoom.
- It was agreed that many of us are a little Zoomed out and now that we are back at level 2 lockdown we will slowly start returning to Wanderers, the first in person meeting taking place on the 8th of October when we plan on honouring our Vocational Services Award recipients, and then again when we meet socially on the 29th. All meetings will however remain hybrid because of all our e-members and those members that work far afield.
- Finance: John Symons reported back that most members had opted to pay their annual subs in full, only a couple of members were paying in two instalments. John has paid across RI dues and the funds we as a club had committed to Polio Plus.
- Membership: David attended all the way from Stellenbosch. He was happy to report that Tayla Burger will be inducted as our newest member on Friday the 8th of October at Wanderers. There are a few potential members that David is communicating with, so watch this space.
- International: Richard Moloney has a number of projects that he and his team would like to explore: play-pumps, cervical cancer project and the compostable sanitary pad project.
- And James shared the good news that we will be handing over the Palliative Care container that Jerry and John Hope Bailie had so caringly refurbished and installed on Friday the 15th of October.
- Youth: As Jean was visiting with her family in Botswana Ann Hope-Bailie was asked to report back. Sadly, due to factors beyond our control, the Senior Youth Leadership course will again not be taking place this year. But all efforts will be made to organize a really successful Careers Day at the beginning of 2022. Ann has asked for club input as to which careers to showcase.
- Ann would like to develop a website that school leavers can access to obtain information on careers, bursaries, job applications, how to write a CV and much, much more.
- Publicity: Club activity is mainly reported on in the weekly Ramble, and Ann updates our Facebook page at least two or three times a week. She urges everyone to please like and follow our page. We will ensure that the unveiling of the Palliative Care Container receives adequate press coverage.
- Vocational & Community Services: Sybille had techno-troubles and was unfortunately on permanent mute, so had to rely on Costa to report back.
- The Vocational Service Award recipients have been invited to the ceremony on the 8th, and will be receiving R1 500 towards a charity of their choice. As this award is specifically for persons using their vocation to do exceptional work, it is felt that we should also introduce a Community Service Award for persons doing good work within their community.
- The annual Norwood Spar Food Drive is to take place over two weekends at the end of October (30th/31st) and again at the end of November (27th/28th). We will shortly be asking members to volunteer their time to assist with these collections.
- Environment: Lyn and Ann met with Geoff Lockwood at the Environmental Centre in Delta Park and we are exploring the possibility of reviving the water-wise and sensory garden.
- To celebrate Heritage Day and our environment we have invited members, Anns and their families to join us for a picnic on Friday the 24th. The response has been resounding and promises to be wonderful day of fellowship.
- Fundraising: It is all systems go for our quiz evening on Wednesday 20th of October and so far we have already had over 50 bookings. Please do not leave your booking till the last minute.
- Even if you cannot attend the function we urge everyone to buy raffle tickets, you will go into the draw for some really wonderful prizes like a mid-week getaway at the luxurious 5 star Elephant Point on the banks of the Sabi River, a stay at the Cavern in the Drakensberg, Astral Chickens has donated a hamper worth R1 000, a Suunto sports watch and many many more.
Interclub Fellowship...
District Training...
And some more District Training...
- Rotary Basics
- Leadership
- Service, Foundation & Public Image
- Membership & Volunteers
- Diversity
- Effective Public Speaking
- Sat 9 Oct 2021 - RLI Certificate part 1 and RLI Certificate part 3 (2 separate venues)
- Sun 10 Oct 2021 - RLI Certificate part 2 and RLI Graduate part A (2 separate venues)
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