Well, we are getting some finer weather albeit short as it looks like a cooler time for Monday evening.
I am sorry there was so much confusion with last week’s meeting schedule. The hotel booked our time; hence the committee meetings were held elsewhere where necessary.
The Board was able to meet this week and a summary is presented in this newsletter.
As the year comes to a close, we look forward to celebrating the festive season at Mark’s place again, this coming Monday. We also reflect on our activities, actions and community involvement, our key Rotary goals along with the fellowship throughout the past year.
We have had a busy year with the two major events, the Sculpture Exhibition and the HSAFD amongst all the smaller events. Thank you to you all for your support and friendship and I look forward to the new year when we act on the key directions the club has set.
Please have a happy Christmas and new year period.
Stay safe and well.
Image Rotary
Last Monday's Meeting(s)
Most committees were able to make their own arrangements to meet elsewhere when the Stirling Hotel became unavailable. Here is a quick update on Committee activities as reported to the Board at its meeting held this week:
FINANCIAL
Pauline reports the club accounts are very healthy thanks to successful fundraising events and the valiant efforts of the club members throughout the year.
YOUTH:
Rob H and the committee are doing a great job towards improving the relationship with Heathfield High. A recent round table with Colin, Rob K, John and Lyn Norris attending in support, was a huge success. Rob extends thanks to all!
The club is sponsoring Vaughn Brereton to attend the National Youth Science Forum and is seriously considering possibilities for Rotary exchange programmes for 2023
INTERNATIONAL
Rob K returned from Timor Leste where he conducted a final review of the sanitation project there. He will present his findings to the club in the new year and the North Sumatra toilet block construction is going ahead
CLUB:
Michelle was unable to attend Monday night's meeting having come down with the dreaded COVID 19. Members of the committee sent well wishes to her and to Taris who has also contracted COVID.
The meeting on Monday was devoted to preparing for the Christmas Dinner next Monday. It is shaping up to be a great night!
COMMUNITY:
Much has been achieved according to John N including Bahn Mi sales at the Callington Show & Stirling Pageant (special thanks to John N, Ken P, Rob H, Michelle and Pauline).
We have begun to nurture several boxes of saplings to the Trees for Life program and the Board has approved the purchase of 2 Peace Poles (locations to be determined in January).
We will hold BBQ sales at the TDU in Stirling in January and there will be further discussions about the Sculpture Exhibition and the Field Days.
The committee is also considering revising and improving the Community Grants program.
Annual Christmas Dinner
It's on again!
The holiday season kicks off with Christmas Dinner, hosted by Mark at his beautiful property in Mylor. (16 Voight Rd) from 6:00pm.
Please bring your own drinks, glassware,nibblesAND something from your pantry to donate to the Hut's grocery shelves in support of those in need over the festive season
Accolades for the Accessible Picnic Table in Stirling!
Tony Rogers, an Adelaide Hills resident and Volunteer Access and Inclusion Advisor, recently wrote about the accessible picnic table recently donated for Stirling residents, and visitors to use at Centenary place new valuable addition to Stirling.
There is a new picnic table in Centenary Place, Stirling (the pedestrian laneway stemming from the main street, across the street from Stirling Village). But it’s not just a picnic table. The table, and the area around it, has been designed to allow people with a mobility disability to use and enjoy it. The wide pathways make it easy for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aid. There are no steps to be negotiated. There is lots of parking nearby. The table provides wheelchair accessibility at the end of the table. Everyone can join the party.
It is a great place to have a picnic or a chat with friends and has been made possible because of financial support from the Rotary Club of Stirling. To continue reading, click HERE
Warwick Gregg is a consultant with Able Access Design and gave valuable advice on the project. He uses a wheelchair himself and says: 'It is encouraging to see organisations like the Rotary Club of Stirling and Adelaide Hills Council being pro-active in providing accessible and inclusive facilities for their community, especially for residents and visitors who may have a disability. The accessible picnic table is a great inclusive initiative.'
Some of the people involved in bringing the project to completion got together at the site to have some lunch and to celebrate its completion. They agreed that it is a great spot. Even the food tasted better! Council would like to thank the Rotary Club of Stirling for providing the community with more accessible facilities throughout the region.
Rotary International Conference
Time is running out to take advantage of the discounted Early Bird registration fees. This significant event in the Rotary International calendar, and on our own turf is not to be missed!
I know I Shouldn’t Have Done this...
... but I am 83 years old and I was in the McDonald’s drive-through this morning and the young lady behind me leaned on her horn and started mouthing something because I was taking too long to place my order.
So when I got to the first window I paid for her order along with my own. The cashier must have told her what I'd done because as we moved up she leaned out her window and waved to me and mouthed "Thank you.", obviously embarrassed that I had repaid her rudeness with kindness.
When I got to the second window I showed them both receipts and took her food too. Now she has to go back to the end of the queue and start all over again,
Don't blow your horn at old people, they have been around a long time.. "
