Meeting 11 May 2016.
 
Last night we had a terrific meeting at which we heard how Rotary can enrich lives. We had a near maximum attendance – the best for a year!
Unfortunately, Graham Perkins has a back injury and is confined to bed for 4 weeks. We do wish him well for a full recovery ASAP.
We welcomed Rotaractors - Rafe, Keedan and Keeley. We sponsored Rafe and Keedan for RYLA this year and both said that RYLA had lived up to the reports of previous attendees and that they will recommend it to others as a life changing experience. Keedan said that RYLA gave him the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people and form strong bonds. They had talked about their passions, goals, leadership and were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone. It had even led to him cleaning his bedroom immediately on his return! Rafe had been challenged to consider how to be a leader in the community, and to how to make a positive contribution and enact changes in life. She said that the support of the RYLA community was/will be important.  The both thanked the club for providing the opportunity to attend RYLA.
Our guest speakers were Paul and Leon who have just returned from Nepal and Joe who has returned from Italy.
Paul and Leon travelled to Nepal  to visit our Janasewa Sanskrit HSS, Huwas water project and attend the handover to the school and community. Paul and Leon showed photos of the hair raising road trip to the school , the handover ceremony and the tank and toilet blocks which are part of the project. Paul also presented $500 worth of Days for Girls personal hygiene packs. Leon stressed just how valuable and life changing our input into the school and community has been. They had both enjoyed the hospitality of the Pokhara-Fishtail RC. Leon had unfortunately fallen ill in Nepal and had first hand experience of the hospital system.  Time did not permit Paul and Leon from telling us about the remainder of their trip – trekking, Chitwan NP.
Joe had spent 4 weeks in Italy visiting his homeland Abruzzo and Rome. Joe went to Rome to attend the Jubilee for Rotarians and the highlight was a Papal mass on the 30th April. Joe said that the crowds were challenging - he had to wait 4 hours in a queue to register! There were 9000 Rotarians who joined 91000 others for the mass. But it was obvious from the passion and emotion with which Joe described his visit to St Peter’s, Sistine Chapel, other churches, the Colosseum etc that it had been all worthwhile. And Joe somehow managed to see the Pope at just 3 metres.
Thanks go to Ken, Bill and Greg who attended District Assembly on the 1st May.
Thanks also to Ray and Bev (and friends), Graeme and Bev, Ash and Eva who attended the fabulous Rotaract afternoon tea on the 1st May.
Invitations:
Volunteers required for the Red Shield Appeal IGA Grovedale Static collection point on the 28th/29th May. Please contact Christine if you are able to help.
Barwon Health Volunteer Services – launch of new patient transport vehicles.  Nibbles and drinks, 6 – 8pm St Mary’s Hall. June 9th. All welcome. Let me know if you are attending and I will RSVP on behalf of the Club.
District Changeover lunch – 26th June, at Truffleduck. Cost $65 pp.  All invited, let me know if you are interested and I will forward the registration information.
I look forward to seeing most of you for our Joint meeting at the Davidson Restaurant next week.
Have a good week smiley Lesley.