Hello everyone to the new year and I hope you are all looking forward to the friendship and volunteering to the community during the months ahead.
It was great to kick off the activities for the year with a BBQ at the Stirling Library for the Tour Down Under. A good local event and providing for the community.
I look forward to being part of our club and giving back with you all.
Stay safe and well.
This Week's Meeting
Peter Young and David Harris spoke about Rotary Club of Onkaparinga’s APY Lands’ Project.
Since 2016, Club members have laid extensive brick paving, adjacent to community buildings, e.g. Trade Training Centres, in various centres across the sparsely-populated (2,000+ people), but vast (103,000 sq. km.) APY Lands.
From 2021, the Club has been involved in building shelters, strategically located in the long stretches of dirt road between various aboriginal communities. A shelter comprises a steel frame with a sloping roof, from which rainwater is harvested, and a bench table. The shelters provide a welcome respite for people traversing the long distances between the communities.
Peter lived and worked for three years on the APY Lands. His understanding of the culture has been important in the Club gaining the confidence of the aboriginal people.
The Club welcomes other Rotarians interested in participating in the project. Anyone interested please contact either Peter or David.
Next Week's Meeting
Robert Koehne will talk about his recent visit to Timor-Leste, in which he inspected enhancements to the Talitu WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) project that were carried out by members of the Rotary Club of Dili Lafaek. The talk will be embellished by photographs of much of the work that was done and, more generally, of the rugged beauty of this fascinating island nation.
The project has now been completed successfully and has been exceptionally well received by villagers. A final report and acquittal of the Global Grant will be submitted to The Rotary Foundation shortly.
Tour Down Under BBQ
The “Stirling Rotary BBQ Team” although not directly participating in “The TDU Race” due to old age, never the less performed admirably on the day. The Stirling Library Lawn area was our performing stage where we excelled above all expectations (considering the Team assembled).
After 3 & ½ hrs we crossed the finish line, triumphant winners, clearing about $ 800.
One team member, resplendent in lycra, was unfortunately expelled from the race due to turning up with an “E” Bike. However he quickly (without a “Phone Box”) changed into normal clothing and took to cooking the snags like a duck to water.
Another Team member, who shall remain anonymous, discovered the location of The Stirling Library after living in the area for many years!! Who said you can’t teach an “old salt” new tricks.
Thanks to all Team Members for a great effort. If an army marches on its stomach, it must also be true that top cyclists on a grueling campaign, (and their loyal "army" of suffering supporters standing under a hot sun for hours) also need sustenance!
Seen above, L-R, are Malcolm, Greg and Colin, John, Dick and Stephen who took pains to ensure that our local member, Josh Teague, MLA (C) was adequately nourished to maintain the stamina required to perform his official duties.
Putting Things in Perspective
A father passing by his son's bedroom noticed the room unusually clean and saw an envelope propped up prominently on the pillow. It was addressed, 'Dad'. With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter, with trembling hands.
Dear, Dad.
It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend, because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mum and you.
I've been finding real passion with Stacy. She is so nice, but I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing's, tattoos, her tight Motorcycle clothes, and because she is so much older than I am.
But it's not only the passion, Dad. She's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods, and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that mari*juana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people in the commune for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want.
In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so that Stacy can get better. She sure deserves it!
Don't worry Dad, I'm 15, and I know how to take care of myself. Someday, I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your many grandchildren.
Love, your son,
Josh
P.S . Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Jason's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the school report that's on the kitchen table. Call when it is safe for me to come home.
