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I am sitting here in my study convalescing and putting down some thoughts to include in the latest Club Bulletin.
I could not attend last night’s Club meeting because I’ve been laid low with a nasty stomach bug and frankly unless you want this damn bug, you would not have wanted me to be there last night.
Not much to report on Rotary affairs this week, perhaps a bit of a relief after a rather hectic time over the past month. The Airshow management committee had a review meeting last weekend and, once some final commitments are paid, final distribution of donations and lodgment of funds to Rotary programs will be ready for announcement.
The South Australian Road Runners Club is conducting their annual Barossa Marathon Sunday 28th May. The organizers are seeking volunteers to assist with the event. If you are keen to be up early on a Sunday morning, well this is the event for you. Please give this event your consideration; Rotary has supported this event for many years. Contact me should you wish to volunteer (email: perkspb@gmail.com or txt 0409 768 908.
I know that there have been several members who have expressed dissatisfaction with the current meeting location, the Tanunda Hotel. I acknowledge that there are frustrations with the venue and the Board has been actively seeking alternative locations. Unfortunately, although the venue would have been ideal, the management demanded a meal price of $35.00 and the Board thought this was too expensive. I would encourage all members and Friends to consider an alternative meeting location and perhaps even an alternative meeting night. The next meeting on 18th May will be held off normal meeting site and perhaps we could speak about location/night then.
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Vale Scarecrows
It is with sorrow I report the demise of our Scarecrows. They did a magnificent job of promoting the Airshow, standing out in all weather, being beaten by wild wind, drenched in torrential rain and then exposed to full sun with no shade. The Wing Walker held her position without even a murmur of complaint, the family held their positions resolutely with baby scarecrow still in the mother's arms. Our pilot had the best job as he was sitting down.
It was all to no avail; we were not placed in the competition. The heartbreak was too much for them.
We relieved them from their duties and they were humanely euthanised by ripping their heads off and scattering their straw over the veggie patch.
Brave scarecrows, gone but not forgotten.
Editors note: Thank you to Keith Millington for this article, including the sadness that prevailed as this delightful family was 'carefully' laid to rest.
Keith and Kathy head off for their three months holiday around much of Australia in a few days. Their first major stop is in Queensland where they will be dog judging. From all of us we wish them safe happy holiday travels and look forward to their return towards the end of winter.
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ANZAC BREAKFAST for TANUNDA RSL.
16 Rotarians and friends braved an early start on Tuesday April 25th, Anzac Day, to cook and serve an Egg and Bacon roll, juice, coffee and tea to approx. 180 people who attended the gunfire breakfast.
Thank You from Mark Graetz to all who assisted.
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THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN
Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” – and not just because we make this vitamin from exposure to the sun. Getting sufficient Vitamin D has also been linked to maintaining a positive, sun shiny mood, regulating our emotions and reducing depression. Early studies are also indicating a role in supporting weight loss.
Without sufficient vitamin D levels, our bodies also can't properly process other vitamins and minerals, like calcium. We need vitamin D to form the hormone calcitriol, which we use to absorb calcium from our diet. Without adequate levels of calcitriol our bodies will take calcium from the stores in our bones, which weakens our skeleton and prevents strong, new bone from forming. But wait, there's more. Low vitamin D levels have also potentially been linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis, heart disease, flu, infection and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortunately, it's becoming increasingly clear that many Aussies aren't making enough vitamin D. Less time spent outdoors (especially as we get older) has reduced our exposure to the sun which has resulted in falling levels of Vitamin D.
'What does a vitamin D deficiency feel like?"
You may not notice that you're lacking vitamin D because the symptoms of a deficiency are so easily attributable to other causes. Look out for things like aching muscles and bones, poor wound healing, low mood, trouble sleeping, hair loss, excessive sweating and general fatigue.
GET A DAILY BOOST
Even if you're feeling fine, it's a good idea to give yourself a daily vitamin D boost. Food sources include:
canned tuna, sardines, cod-liver oil, beef liver, cheese, egg yolk, mushrooms, shellfish.
But the best way to get your daily boost of Vitamin D is from UVB radiation from the sun.
If you'd rather be reading than getting active in the sunshine, why not simply take your book outside? You could also try eating your breakfast or lunch al fresco each day.
In fact, once you get into the habit of taking yourself outside more often, you'll wonder why you ever spent so much time inside.
Be happy take vitamin D supplements.
The above article was sent in by President Peter, which was taken from his Probus Newsletter. Clearly, he cares enough to ensure that our club members are getting their daily dose of Vitamin D.
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All Rotarians, partners and friends please
note detail for the next meeting
The meeting on the 18th May will be held in the Regional University Centre, the old Kaiser Stuhl Building at
Level 1, Chateau Building
Beckwith Park
30-8 Barossa Valley Way
Nuriootpa SA 5355
Use the rear entrance only. (Look for the Rotary sign). President Peter has advised that there is ample car parking available at the back of the building. We must use the rear entrance only.
Catering is yet to be determined and the price has been targeted at $15 per head.
Please bring plates, cutlery, glasses, drinks including wine.
The Guest speaker is Angie Kruger, who can be contacted on 0499 713 116, and Leonie Boothby has been invited as Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Regional Development Australia Barossa, Gawler Light, Adelaide Plains.
Please ensure Marie is notified of all apologies as soon as possible so the catering can be adjusted accordingly.
I am having a cataract operation on 16th May and depending on my recovery, I may not be able to attend this meeting. However, I will be there if possible.
Thanks
Keith Adams
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Clearance Sale - Worth Attending
Honorary Rotarian Brian Graetz with the help of Rotary volunteers and others is having a massive clearance sale on Saturday 20th May at the Keyneton Oval. Rotarian, Patrick Haydn has offered to organise a sausage sizzle to keep the hungry buyers active. Patrick would appreciate a couple of volunteers to give him a hand. Over the years Brian has built up a large collection of quite valuable goods. This is your chance to pick up an item or bargain that you have been after for some time. Other sellers may have items for sale too.
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MAY 4th A DAY TO REMEMBER.
May 4th is not just Star Wars Day but another more important day for Rotary.
In fact, today is an auspicious day in the history of Rotary! On this day, May 4th, 1987, the US Supreme Court ruled that Rotary Clubs could no longer exclude women from membership on the basis of gender.
It all started with Sylvia Whitlock from the Rotary Club of Duarte who was the first female Rotary club President and who fought in the US Supreme Court in 1986 to have women join Rotary.
We’ve come a very long way in those intertwining years and this year Rotary International welcomed its 1st woman Rotary International President in Jennifer Jones and in 2024-25 Stephanie Urchick will be Rotary International 2nd female President!
Here Evan Burrell (a future DG from NSW) is pictured with Sylvia Whitlock and his friend LaShonda.
May 4th 1987 a date to remember.
Women in Rotary? The more the better.
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Attendance Report - May 4th 2023