This Week - Gerald Rubin, Podiatrist

 

I don't know what Gerald is going to talk about but I am sure that the above will feature in the talk and subsequent questions.

I was wondering what the difference is between a chiropodist and a podiatrist.  The answer is nothing, they are interchangeable terms though chiropodist is old fashioned and I always think of a man on a bicycle cycling round to visit old ladies and cutting their toe nails.  Maybe I am influenced too much by Michael Palin in "A Private Function".

Gerald, of course, has the latest technology at his finger tips and Wits is his alma mater.  He has three practices and is involved with many people with sports injuries.  It will be an interesting talk.

Last Week

Stefan Neubig spoke to us about The Sonnenglas Project.  A very practical approach to providing light, especially for children doing homework where there is no electrical power.  It was fascinating to hear how this small South African enterprise exported small solar lamps all over the world, primarily for decorative reasons.

I really think that we should look at these lamps for the reason they were originally created.  I am sure that overseas clubs would be interested in being involved and there would be a strong possibility of a Rotary Global Grant.  This is something that could grow far beyond our borders.

Next Week

Linsay Engelbrecht of Retina SA will not only giving us feedback on the Dischem/Retina SA Cycle Ride where we always provide marshals but will also talk about other aspects of support that we can provide.  I have heard nothings so far about the possibility of sight impaired people participating in the Masonic Golf Day and other possibilities.

International - South Africa

It may be local but it's nice and someone many of you may know was involved.

You never know what kind of proposals will land in a club’s inbox, says Bev Frieslich, a past president of the Rotary Club of Cape of Good Hope. She and her club took to heart an email from a Ugandan Rotarian with an admittedly audacious ask: to help him spring a surprise marriage proposal on his significant other, Barbara Nyakato, while she was touring Cape Town. “When I thought of a romantic proposal to my dear girlfriend, Rotary was an obvious and automatic choice,” says Richard Kalungi. He and Nyakato are members of the Rotary Club of Kampala South. On 3 December, Frieslich brought
Nyakato to Fish Hoek Beach under the guise of a club function. “Once she overcame her shock that Richard was there, she wept tears of joy and love,” says Frieslich, who helped Kalungi with the shopping, organized a dinner reception, arranged a professional photographer, and provided Kalungi with lodging for the escapade. “Whoever said Rotary is boring?” says Frieslich.