May 5th 2025
Stephanie A. Urchick
RI President 2024/25
Monthly theme for May
Youth Service
There is nothing more important for Rotarians than to take an active personal interest in youth, worldwide. Richard L. Evans way back in 1967 said "As a father-less boy, I owe much to many Rotarians, who gave of themselves...talk to us, lived with us." One of Rotary's most splendid efforts has been working with young people. The sponsoring of visits in the communities of other countries where they are guided, housed, and be-friended by Rotarians. The consequences of such an experience at an impressionable age are incalculable.
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President Steve's Snippets
Welcome back after the Airshow!
What an incredible event, thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of the Barossa Rotary Club. Congratulations to every one of you—whether you were hands-on or offering moral support, you played an important part in making it a success.
We are still finalizing the numbers, but things are looking positive. The event ran smoothly and received excellent feedback across the board. The car park operated like clockwork, and there were no queues for food or toilets—fantastic work by everyone involved. Although attendance was slightly down compared to the previous event, it was a wonderful day overall—one that people will continue to talk about, which bodes well for the future.
Our social evening with the Texans at Rehn Bier also turned out to be a terrific night. The conversations flowed constantly, and it was fascinating to learn about how things are done in each of our communities. It opened a few minds to new approaches we might consider.
We were honoured when Dennis Luers, President of the Grapevine Texas Rotary, presented us with a banner as a memento of their visit. Although we didn’t have a banner ready to exchange (this was, in fact, the first time I’d encountered this custom!), Immediate Past President and Secretary Sandie stepped in the following evening at their farewell dinner, presenting a Barossa banner to President Dennis—a wonderful save. Dennis’s wife Jan, also a Rotarian, was particularly interested in our Airshow and asked many insightful questions with an eye toward perhaps organizing something similar in Texas.
The buzz about the Airshow is still strong. Let’s use this momentum to share the story of the Magic of Rotary in the Barossa and highlight all the fantastic things our club and its amazing members achieve.
Article provided by President Steve.
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Guest Speaker Fred Wheeler.
It was a pleasure to have former member Fred and his wife Lyn
visit the club. His presentation on Domestic Violence held all of those present in awe of his experience with it. He spoke from written notes and included quotes from an expert on this subject which fitted perfectly with his personal experience.
John Semmler's birthday
A large crowd of family and friends turned up at his home on Sunday the 4th of May to wish him a very Happy 85th celebration.
John confirmed that the money raised at his birthday bash will be put into our club's Foundation, to be allocated to support our club's
Domestic Violence program. After hearing Fred's story last night, John decided "no better way to use it"
The new Barossa sporting areas in Lyndoch.
It's going to be full of
people again for Gather Round 2026.
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A special Rotary Fellowship - April 28th, 2025.
A very pleasant evening at Rehns Brewery, enjoyed by all those in the photo below.
Here you'll see many of the Texans from Grapevine
enjoying Rotary fellowship. It must have been a great night
since three of our hard-working members were able to squeeze in with the Texans.
Advance notice of RYDA 2025.
Monday September 15 to Thursday September 18.
Cancel holidays and all appointments.
10 volunteers needed each day.
Cheers,
John Semmler
Secretary
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