Rotary brings joy to CP children in the Eastern Cape...Spotlight on the vision of Rotary...News of our exchange students.

 28 July 2023

From the Pen of the President...

This weekend saw several of us participating in another Boikanyo buggy outreach trip. Ann, Jean, Sybille and I together with Shirley Eustace from the Anns were in Port Elizabeth for the outreach. It was another instance of where we witnessed aspects of life that we are not exposed to on a regular basis – severely handicapped children being cared for by impoverished relatives, community members and some unrelated persons who adopted a CP child who had been abandoned. We were able to satisfactorily seat all the children who attended the outreach. Our efforts will have made the lives of the children and their carers a little easier, even if only for a while. Blankets donated by Rotary, the Anns and other warm-hearted people were given out as well as several bags of E- Pap. I was humbled by the experience and the generosity and kindness of all who took part.

Costa Qually
President

Tailpiece

Those who are hardest to love need it the most - Socrates

Rotarians bring joy and comfort as they build wheelchair-buggies for CP children in the Eastern Cape...

Spotlight on Rotary....

Someone asked me this week, 

"What is Rotary? What does Rotary stand for?" 

Let me ask you, fellow Rotarian, for your answer. Please stop reading now and record your response and then send your email to margaretmdale@gmail.com and your answers will be published in the Ramble over the next few weeks. 

Also, please share your two best and most heartwarming memories relating to Rotary. We want to share the stories of Rotary. 

I did research on "What is Rotary?" in www.rotary.org and it was inspiring! 

The vision of Rotary (sometimes referred to as the object of Rotary) is to foster the ideal of service as a basis for worthy enterprise. Rotary's motto is "Service above self." 

Rotary is a global network of business, professional and community leaders who provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace. 

More about this topic in future!

Brooks Spector’s talk on the balance of power between the US, China, Russia and the EU…

There were more people than chairs at the presentation by Brooks Spector on Friday – but it all worked out in the end.  There were many guests. New Dawn Rotary Club members attended.

 

There'll be a synopsis of Brook's presentation on the global balance of power, next week.
Wouldn't it be great to have a full hall of people listening to this important topic?! 

An urgent appeal from Michelle...

Michelle von Benecke is appealing urgently for fellow Rotarians to help out during the August holiday week to show exchange student Mille around.

Michelle works full time. With her permission, Michelle’s cell number is published in this Ramble so that you can contact her directly with your offer of assistance.

Michelle’s number is 084 624 1634.

Mille’s timetable for the holiday fortnight – please fill a coloured slot for Michelle.

Friday	04/08	Mille arrives on Friday 4 at 9:55 at the OR Tambo Airport. Helpmekaar’College annual production.
Saturday	05/08	Afrikaans concert with Emma’s friends
Sunday	06/08
Monday	07/08
Tuesday	08/08
Wednesday	09/08	Public holiday – attending church fete
Thursday	10/9
Friday	11/09	Going to Ngwenya lodge near Kruger Park
Saturday	12/09
Sunday	13/09
Monday to Friday	14-18	Attending Parktown Girls High School. On the 17th seeing the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
Saturday	19
Sunday	20
Monday	21
Tuesday	22
Wednesday	23

News from Emma, our exchange student in Europe...

Emma has spent the last half of her holidays exploring the nature and the towns of Norway with her wonderful host family.

Here are some photos:

Rotary diary ...

Friday 4^th August. Eric Dabbs. Presenting on 'Madagascar'.

Friday 11^th August. Sarel De Klerk: 1922 Miners' Strike in Johannesburg'

Friday 18^th August. Business Meeting. 

Inducted in August...

Congratulations to Costa, Vivien, Shelley and Roger who were inducted into membership of Rosebank Rotary Club in the month of August!

Birthdays in August...

Birthday wishes to Costa (1) Lyn (8), Jean (16) and Lenore (27). Many happy returns! 

In conclusion...

Here are some winter jokes to warm you with laughter.

How do mountains stay warm in winter?

They put on their snow caps...

 

What did the tree say after a long winter?

What a re-leaf…

 

What do you call a penguin in the Sahara Desert?

Lost…!

 

What do you get when you mix a snowman with a vampire?

Frostbite.

PLEASE KEEP WARM AND SNUG...

The Youth Committee forges ahead...We celebrate with Emma and welcome our new exchange student Mille...The Rotary Ann's 100 club winners...

 21 July 2023

From the Pen of the President...

So much of the news we are exposed to focusses on negative and sensational matters. Whilst we cannot ignore many of these aspects, positive items far too often are ignored or hardly mentioned. As Rotarians, we should look for heart-warming and inspiring elements and talk about these rather than problems and concerns. Doing this and practicing random acts of kindness will contribute to a better society and bring a level of warmth and comfort to many in our community.

Costa Qually

President

Tailpiece

Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped.

Proverbs 11:25

A visiting Rotarian from Kenyan club "Namibia Madakara"...

We were happy to welcome Njoki Ndungu, a Kenyan Rotarian who was visiting Rosebank Rotary club. 

Kenyan Rotarian Njoki Ndungu with 

Rosebank Rotary Club President, Costa Qually. 

Please accept my apologies, Njoki, for thinking you were from Namibia, not Kenya (Ed.). nationality!  

Ramble website... 

Club members have requested the address of the Rosebank Ramble website, which is https//rosebankramble.blogspot.com. Please contact Margaret Dale (email: margaretmdale@gmail.com) if you are not receiving the Rosebank Ramble each week. 

The Meeting ID,,,

David Bradshaw keeps in touch...

Lis and I spent two weeks with my daughter in Amsterdam which included a weekend in Belgium visiting Bruges and Ghent. Our trip included a canal cruise in Amsterdam and Bruges. 

Update from the Youth Committee...

Careers Day

Careers Day will be rescheduled to 24 July 2024, when exams are finished and there aren't too many sports activities. There will be "save the date" announcement early in the year and regular posts on Facebook as many parents came with their families after seeing the Facebook advertisements about the Careers Day.

This year's Careers Day had many WOW moments. Some of the attendees realized that their 'dream job; was actually not the right one for them. Their perceptions changed as, for example, they found out that De Beers did not employ only mining engineers. It is so important for presenters to mention other jobs in the company that can be applied for, or reached through a 'branched" career path. The mining SETA, which is across the road from the school was invited and many of their staff attended. Next year, other SETAs will be invited. Wits University provided information on the processes (and pitfalls) of applying at a university. 

Senior Youth Leadership Course

A huge thank you to Holy Family for offering the Sisonke Hall to Rotary Club of Rosebank for our 'Meet and Greet on the 6^th October 2023. 

 

Interact

As discussed with Peter James-Smith – the Rotary Club of Rosebank will take on the Holy Family Interact Club. There will be a meeting between Mike Takkos and Marianne Soal. The club is very active and there are regular posts on FaceBook. 

.

News from Michelle von Benecke...

Michelle von Benecke, Emma's Mom writes that from now on, she will be providing news of both Emma her daughter and Mille, our Rotary exchange student from Norway.

Mille Fodstad is a 17-year-old girl who lives on the outskirts of Oslo in Norway. She is landing in South Africa on Friday 04 August. Michelle's younger daughter and a friend have already made the sign to hold up at the airport.

Helpmekaar College is hosting her, but only starts in the third term on 06 September. For the month that she will be staying with Michelle, she has already organized a host of activities for her, but mostly over the weekends. Michelle has already booked a week away at Ngwenya Lodge near the Kruger Park from 25 August to 01 September. 

Michelle is busy with her work during the week. She asks that if any Rotarian is doing interesting activities during the week, that could be shared with Mille during August, please to contact Michelle. It would be wonderful to show Mille some of the sights in and around Johannesburg. This would be greatly appreciated.

News from Emma: 

Emma is still on holiday with her host family in the north of Europe. Since their meander through Norway and Sweden last week, they visited Finland.

A photo of Finland

• 
  
  

The Highlight of Lapland was seeing Father Christmas who is already preparing for his trip around the world on 25 December!

 Then there is the Arctic Circle - and husky safaris!

Reindeer everywhere!

 The land of the midnight sun!

These photos were taken at midnight!

Rotary Ann's fundraising...

The 100 club is a fundraiser which the Rotary Anns have been doing for several years and many Rotarians contribute. The Anns sell 100 tickets of R200 each and have a monthly draw for prizes of R300 and R150.  The final draw in June 2024 will be for the bigger prizes of R2000 and R1000. The proceeds of the draw are put towards ongoing and new projects. 

Rosebank Rotary meetings in July and August....

On 28 July, Brooks Spector will speak on 'The balance of power between the US, China, Japan and the EU'.

On 4 August, Eric Dabbs will speak on 'Madagscar.'

Keep warm and have a great week!

 

: 

 8-14 July 2023

From the Pen of the President.....

So much of our news highlights problems, crimes and negative aspects of our everyday lives. One of the pleasing attributes of Rotary is that it centres around doing good in the community and helping people in need. This helps to bring a level of positivity, balance and perspective to what would otherwise be very depressing.

Every Rotarian can be proud of what Rotary does and the contribution that each member makes. Thank you all!

Costa Qually

President

Tailpiece: whatever lies in our power to do also lies within our power not to do (Aristotle). 

The Boikanyo Dion Herson Foundation is assisting Cerebral Palsy patients in rural areas...

The Boikanyo Dion Herson Foundation project is supported by Rosebank Rotary (South Africa) and the Kendal Rotary Club of the United Kingdom/ Here is the report on the latest initiatives from Paul Harris Fellow Marilyn Bassin: 

The Boikanyo Dion Herson Foundation Project runs a project in deep rural communities addressing Cerebral Palsy children, born profoundly disabled, who are not given appropriate wheelchairs called 'buggies'. So many grandmothers carrying such disabled children on their backs is a disturbing sight. the Boikanyo Dion Herson organization networks to collect condemned buggies from various South African state institutions which we renovate completely and send out to designated areas for children who are desperate. We go into the area with a team of about 11 volunteers for 3 days and we fit children into buggies. Each fitting takes about 3 hours. We must factor in every deformity that the child has, in order that they are fitted comfortably. 
Our next outreach at the end of July is to Port Elizabeth where we will fit 42 children into buggies, regular wheelchairs and adapted wheelchairs. 

A fourteen-year-old child was carried on his Gogo's back. 

His wheelchair needed so many adaptations. He has such a bad scoliosis; his wrists, ankles and hips had all dislocated. 

He was finally sitting comfortably for the first time in his life!

This project fits into our Rotary 2023-20024 theme of bringing 

HOPE TO THE WORLD. 

News from Emma....

This week Emma visited the Bundeswehr Military Musem in Dresden with a school tour. The museum focuses on the human aspects of war, while also showcasing the evolution of German Military Technology.

Emma also embarked on another holiday with her host family, heading north. So far, they have driven through Denmark. 

They are currently in Sweden. Emma is quite smitten with Sweden. 

And to Emma's excitement, she even saw a familiar face...

Our Rosebank Rotary programme...

On 21 July 2023, there is a BUSINESS MEETING of the Club. 

On 28 July 2023 Brooks Spector will be speaking on 

THE NEW BALANCE OF POWER BETWEEN THE US, CHINA, JAPAN and THE EU. 

On 4 August Eric Dabbs will present on MADAGASCAR. 

In conclusion... 

Here is a video of children in Johannesburg experiencing snow for the first time.

District Governor's visit on 7 July - we passed with flying colours!

 7-14 JULY 2023

From the pen of the President...

During her visit to the club, District Governor Riana Pretorius emphasised the importance of members keeping current with developments within Rotary and the availability of on-line training courses. There are a wide variety of courses available on the Rotary website and you are encouraged to make use of this free facility. Longer serving members often feel that there is little they have to learn about Rotary but are sorely mistaken. Please look at the courses available and complete courses of interest or that are relevant to your responsibilities. 

To access the courses:

Log on to My Rotary
o Sign in, or register if you have not yet done so
o Click on member center, then on-line tools and then learning centre
o A Catalogue of the various course available will be shown

Costa Qually

President
Tailpiece
They say that age is all in the mind. The secret is to keep it from creeping into your body!

Address by our District Governor, Riana Pretorius...

At the meeting on 7 July, our District Governor (DG), Riana Pretorius, addressed the club. She congratulated Rosebank Rotary Club on being such a well-organised club - which gets projects done! She complimented the club on working so well alongside the Rotary Anns, who have worthwhile projects. The financial side of the club is well under control and the club has reached an admirable level on important aspects. 

Introduction of a District Project...

DG Riana introduced her new District initiative. The project aims to replace pit latrine toilets in 120 schools. DG Riana said that there are currently pit latrines in 5000 schools in South Africa. These are extremely dangerous for users as well as being a health hazard. Every child deserves decent sanitation at school. The project would aim to install 240 portable toilets at each of the 120 schools (Each unit consists of three cubicles).

DG Riana approached a representative of the Department of Education, who was adamant that the Department has no money in the budgets for the installation of toilets in schools, although they recognize that the pit toilets are an unsatisfactory solution for scholars. The responsibility for the maintenance of the toilets, however, would rest with the Department of Education. 

The first proposal is a Finnish design which consists of three toilets in a “block” and can be installed and plumbed within the three days. These are installed at a cost of R150 000 each, but DG Riana has managed to negotiate the price down to R125 000 for the  purchase and installation of the toilets, so R250 000 per school. The projected cost for the project would be R250 000 multiplied  by 120 – a total of thirty million Rands in total. 

There will be a meeting, organised by the WASH committee (under David Grant) to inform Rotarians of the developments and enable comparison of different alternatives. 

  

Zoom meeting ID...

For those wishing to join any weekly Friday meeting virtually via Zoom should join using the meeting ID: 864 9604 0522. The same meeting ID will be applicable to all meetings up until at least July 2024. Please store this number as a note on your cell phone so that it is readily available should you need it.

Run goat, run!

Here is a fundraising project with a difference. The Oyster Bay Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam promoted their signature project: a Goat race. Sponsors were generous and were VIP’s at the race. The whole community of Dar es Salaam, especially the ex-pats, rallied to support this initiative. The money raised was used for bursaries for university and college students. Thanks to Aisha Sykes who told us about the project and sent these photos

Next meetings on 14 and 28 July 2023...

On 14 July, our Club member Brigit Booth will be giving us a talk entitled: 

My Story. 

On 28 July, there  will be a business meeting.  

In conclusion...

Sybille sent us a joke to cheer us up...

A woman walked into a hypnotherapist’s office, sobbing.

“Doctor, I’ve been faithful to my husband for 19 years, but yesterday I broke that trust and had an affair! The guilt is killing me. I just want to forget that it ever happened. Can you do that for me?” the woman asked.

“Of course, Mrs Randall,” said the hypnotherapist. “Welcome back.”

******* Wasn't the snow today A -M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! Have a super week! *******