Excellent service by Heidelberg Golf Club last week and it was great to see our friend Jake, a Rotaractor and past RYLA participant, working there too. A lot of eyes were opened by Marion’s presentation of the Muskaan story and the progress of the Muskaan School project from a vacant paddock to an impressive, almost complete, mud brick building. We really look forward to the strong support from members and friends for the final Bollywood Bedazzled Charity Ball on 6th May. As John said, “This is certainly a finale not to be missed and promises to be even more sensational than the 2015 event.”
It was a shock for all to arrive on Thursday and hear that Jim was in hospital after a stroke. I was pleased to hear from Jim’s son Will that he had full cognition and was showing some early signs of recovery. I visited Jim on Sunday and he has appreciated the good wishes and brief visits of Eltham Rotarians. He is hoping to move to a rehabilitation program this week.
Our International Service committee is looking for a project which will make a sustainable contribution to a disadvantaged community; meet the criteria of RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) and The Rotary Foundation; and also provide opportunities for participation by Eltham volunteers. Following our recent success with a District grant, let’s explore the possibilities and see if we can leverage our efforts big time with a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation!
Many members are wisely avoiding the bunnies on the road on Easter Eve, so we are looking for a good turnout for a special speaker next week.
Cheers, President Kevin
Lower Eltham Park BBQ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
You are responsible for finding a replacement if you are unable to do your rostered duty and notify Lyn Truran ljtruran@bigpond.com
Guest speaker this week is Lawrence Staub, a practising Chiropractor and a member of the Rotary Club of Sunbury. He is a founder and Director of South Pacific Allied Health which sponsors a number of programs in the Solomon Islands. These include programs to treat whole body tinea, provision of clean water and sustainable income project through the processing of copra.
Lawrence will expand on these and other projects currently in place or planned as part of the 'Makira Project' in the Solomon Islands.
For those who were not aware, Jim had a stroke last Thursday morning and lost movement on his right hand side, together with blurred speech. He was admitted to the Austin Hospital. At this stage the cause is unknown, however he has had MRI and Doppler tests which were clear. He will be monitored closely at the Austin over the weekend (Ward 6 East) and he may be moved to a rehab facility next week. Will said Jim can have visitors, but suggestrd you check his condition with a call to the Ward before you visit. He has full cognition and is showing some signs of improvement already. They are hopeful for a full recovery.
Jim if you happen to be readying this, everyone in the club sends their best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
This is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation based in St Kilda, Melbourne. This organisation rehomes new and pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families in need all over Melbourne
It couldn’t be easier to give another mother a beautiful gift on mother's day.
If you would like to let another mother know you are thinking of her on Mother's Day - go shopping!
She might be living in a refuge; her house might have burnt down, she might be homeless. She needs your help! It's super easy...just follow these simple steps...
1. Make up a gift bag of new women's toiletries - choose a nice toiletry bag and fill it with everything you can think of if you had nothing.
2. Include a note for another mother to let her know that you care
3. Take a photo of your gift pack and post it on facebook, twitter or instagram using the hashtag#onemothertoanother
4. Pack in a small bag or box and please include your full name, postal address, contact number and email address so we can let you know the difference you have made.
5. Give your gift to Ann Lynch by end of April and it will be delivered to St Kilda Mums in time for distribution before Mothers Day.
Thanks to those members who have already offered to contribute.
What sort of items are your looking for?
Some ideas are toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush, hair ties, comb, shampoo, conditioner, soap, tampons/pads, sunscreen, body and face moisturiser, cotton buds, cleanser, eye makeup remover, nail clippers, nail file, tweezers, body wash, tissues, razor & shaving cream, hand cream, lip balm, deodorant, face wipes, paw paw cream, band aids or a basic first aid kit. You might have samples or small toiletries from hotels or airlines that you can include.
ANZAC Day (25th April) falls on a Tuesday this year. Once again the RC of Eltham is directing and assisting with the Dawn Service in Eltham.
We need as many members of our club and partners to assist with the production of this important event. Our members that have taken part in the past remember it as a rewarding and moving event. It is also a great look for the community and a great look for the club to see so many Rotarians attend.
For Eltham Rotary the service is followed by a well earned breakfast (which President Kevin is organising) at a local venue.
John Skinner: JimPhillips in hospital following a stroke – we all wish him a good recovery.
Brett Linsell: Require someone to step up for the April duty roster.
Alan McCleary: BBQ raised $806 thanks to sterling effort from team. Well done Darryl on first time as team leader.
Ann Lynch: Donations of toiletries needed for ‘St Kilda Mums’ for Mothers’ Day. Case Managers of mothers at risk organise pre-loved baby clothing and equipment. Let Ann know if interested in volunteering. 2 x free tickets available for Garden Expo.
David McFarlane: Entertainment Books on sale next week at $70.
Gary Williams: Attended WEHI last week for an evening which celebrated supporters. RCE has donated total of almost $15,000 over last few years. Last year almost $20 million received for their work. Currently building a Child Care/Early Learning Centre for children of staff as well as those from nearby facilities. Brochure available on impact of giving. WEHI meeting here on 25 May. Judy Paynter running Tai Chi on Mondays at Williams’ house. $5 and proceeds to Eltham Rural Group.
Jules Aussems: Update on New Year’s Eve celebration at RACV Club.
Rob Kilkullen: Support needed for the Anzac Day celebration from 5.00am with Montmorency/Eltham RSL. Always a great community event and followed by breakfast. Email Rob or Ann if able to help.
Speaker: Marion Hadingham delivered a very engaging presentation on the Muskaan project in Bhopal, India. Muskaan was established in 1997 with a small group of ‘untouchable’ street kids. By working with, and listening to the communities, Muskaan provides meaningful education by adapting teaching practices and curriculum to achieve effective and relevant programs for these children. Since its inception, Muskaan has led a ‘gypsy’ existence with classes in public parks, rented offices, and disused government buildings and schools (outside normal school hours). Construction of a dedicated campus and hostel for its learning centre and community support programs is now almost complete, engaging local contractors and labour and including vocational training for some Muskaan students. An inspirational story and one very deserving of our continued support – including the upcoming Bollywood Ball!
Join Judith Paynter at 8.30am Monday mornings at Gary Williams house.
Tai Chi, or Taijiquan in Chinese, is an outstanding gem of traditional Chinese culture that is valuable in promoting health, developing combat and self-defence skills, and improving concentration and overall well-being. Health benefits are derived from the Tai Chi's slow, gentle and tranquil movements which enable harmony in mind and body, improved mobility, suppleness and mental alertness.
Anyone regardless of age or level of fitness can practice and benefit from Tai Chi. Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes should be worn to classes. The $5 class donation is raising funds for Eltham Rural Group charities.
Round 2 was a lot easier this week with NINE tipsters getting a PERFECT SCORE, thus winning a bonus point. The experts are Luke Aylward, Paul Cruse, Frank Lynch, Alison Cooper, Mary McCleary, Judy Sharp, Jim Phillips, Jill Ramsay & John Lynch.
JILL RAMSAY won the $40 Prize Pool with an impressive margin difference of 1.
The Prize Pool for a Perfect Round now goes back to $20 for next week.