A brilliant presentation by Brigette Duckworth last week had us all engaged with the mechanics of our bodies’ immune response to the nasties. While I lost track of the number of specific cell types (which merged as alphabet soup in my mind), the message of specific immune cells mobilised against specific diseases was clear with the pac-man like animation. How satisfying to hear from a local CLC graduate who shifted her career ambitions following her Rotary-sponsored NYSF experience and is now working at the leading edge of medical research at the Walter & Elisa Hall Institute. The Rotary connection doesn’t finish there. Throughout her undergraduate degree Brigette was mentored by Steven Megaloudis, a previous NYSF attendee and current President of the Rotaract Club of Diamond Valley ….and guess who’s coming to dinner this week!
Yes, it’s Winter already and several lucky members are taking extended breaks as they chase the sun! Of course this also provides an opportunity to call in to a local Rotary club and see how other clubs go about things. There’s lots of diversity in Rotary and we can always learn from others.
Sausage sales have recently been fluctuating wildly with the weather, but the Kilcullen team proved this week that whether the forecast is rain, hail or shine, a lot of people still come out and enjoy Rotary sausages on cold days. While it’s a core fundraiser for us, I believe the sausage sizzle is also appreciated as a service to the community.
See you on Thursday as we meet with Rotaract and hear the ‘Welcome to Eltham’ story.
Cheers, 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
For our combined meeting this week, the Rotaractors have arranged for Gillian Essex, president of the "Welcome to Eltham" group to present. Gillian will talk about how Welcome to Eltham came into being and the various initiatives it has undertaken or supported to ensure that a number of newly arrived Syrians and Iraqis have been able to find a safe home in Eltham, and feel welcome and supported in their new environment. She will also talk about how her own life has been enriched and cross-cultural understandings deepened by the positive interactions she and others from Welcome to Eltham have had both with our new neighbours and the broader Syrian community in Melbourne.
David McFarlane: Entertainment books selling fast – only 8 left. Please take for family, friends and work colleagues. Also, please pay up if owing for them.
Jill Ramsay: Thanks to all who assisted at HealthAbility’s Wellbeing Expo on Sunday at Eltham High. Prospective member Kay made an enquiry that day which demonstrates how good it is to have Rotary out and about in the community.
Kevin Hadingham: Thanks to all who stepped up and assisted at BBQ at such short notice last weekend – Trevor S, Irene C and John O’C. We sold out of sausages and took $832. A great effort!
Guest speakers were Walter & Eliza Hall Institute reps, Sally Cane (Supporter Relationship Manager), and scientist researcher Brigette Duckworth who presented a very interesting summary of the immunology research she is involved in at WEHI. Brigette lives in Eltham and was sponsored by RC Diamond Valley in 2012 to participate in the National Youth Science Forum. She went onto complete honours in Bio-Medicine and is due to commence a PhD at the institute. RC Eltham presented a cheque to WEHI for the funds raised in January at the Williams/Kilcullen organised spit-roast.
Thanks to the 20 members who have already supplied their Emergency contact details, much appreciated by the busy secretary.
On the advice of the District Insurance Officer, we are compiling a list which will be kept on site for LEP BBQs, Festival and any other occasions where club members will be volunteering. This will be attached to the Volunteer Registration sheet. A copy will also be kept in the President's briefcase for meetings.
For the list to be completed promptly, it would be appreciated if the remaining members who have not given these details please let me know by email ajlynch@bigpond.com or text message 0419 008 759.
The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived! The brand new Entertainment Books are here!
2 boxes of books have been sold and stocks have been replenished. See me to purchase.
Help us raise funds for our club by buying an Entertainment Book. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and help our fundraising at the same time!
The Entertainment Book is such a great way to try new restaurants. Use 2 or 3 of the discount dockets and the book will pay for itself. The offers are valid until June 2018, so you have plenty of time.
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