This Week - Nora Thiel

 Delheim Estate on the slopes of the Simonsberg have always been pioneers. "Spatz" Sperling really put the estate on the map by being first in so many ways.  He was the first person to really market the estate as well as its wines and the first to establish a restaurant where you could have lunch.  I remember vividly how exciting it was to go there long before I had any relationship with the wine industry.  It's hard to imagine how different the wine industry was in the 60's and 70's

The estate is now run by two of "Spatz" Sperlings children, Victor Sperling and Nora Thiel.  It was at least 15 or 16 years ago that Nora was telling me about the importance of conservation practices on Delheim and I admit I was a bit cynical.  How wrong I was because what she has achieved is remarkable.

Delheim is a founding member of the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy and is also a WWF Conservation Champion, recognised for their commitment to conservation and dedication to responsible production and farming practices. Delheim are also recipients of the Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices Award in 2008, the Nedbank Green Award and the Best of Wine Tourism Conservation Pioneer Award in 2024.

I hope she does talk a bit about the wine as well.

Last Week

Lynne Barrow spoke to us about her job as a resident social worker in a retirement environment.  Obviously she is very busy and it's quite stressful, particularly when she has established a close relationship with some people.  It was an interesting insight into that type of work and also into aspects of retirement villages from an insider, non-retiree, view.

Next Week

It's the last Board and Business Meeting of the Rotary Year.

International - Environmentally Sustainability Rotary Action Group in Oceania

The Environmentally Sustainability Rotary Action Group aims to empower members of the Rotary family worldwide to take actions to protect our environment for a sustainable future.

Wildlife conservation is not just the responsibility of scientists and activists – it is a shared duty that requires collective action from communities, businesses and individuals alike.

Across Australia and beyond, the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) is making significant strides in protecting wildlife and promoting environmental awareness. From migratory birds to marine ecosystems and urban biodiversity, their work highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices and public participation. Now, it is time for all of us to step up and contribute to the cause.

One of ESRAG’s key initiatives in 2024 was Wings Over the World, a campaign raising awareness about the plight of the Eastern Curlew.

This remarkable migratory bird embarks on an epic journey each year from the Arctic tundra to the Moreton Bay region, facing numerous threats along the way, including habitat loss and climate change.

The survival of the Eastern Curlew depends on the preservation of crucial wetlands and coastal areas, making it imperative for policymakers and citizens to support conservation efforts.

Another pressing issue addressed by ESRAG is the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.

During the annual turtle awareness event in Scarborough, Qld, the organisation shines a light on the devastating effects of plastic debris on sea turtles and other ocean inhabitants. Each year, countless marine animals suffer from ingestion and entanglement in plastic waste, a crisis that can only be alleviated through responsible waste management and stricter regulations on

Similarly, ESRAG has been at the forefront of Dugong Awareness Day, emphasising the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems. Dugongs, gentle marine mammals that rely on seagrass meadows for sustenance, are increasingly threatened by sedimentation caused by watershed pollution.

By raising awareness about land-use practices and advocating for the protection of catchments, ESRAG is working to safeguard the fragile habitats upon which these unique creatures depend.

Beyond advocacy, ESRAG actively participates in hands-on conservation efforts. One such project involves the collection and recycling of used oyster shells from local restaurants.

Every year, an estimated 12 tonnes of shells are repurposed through OzFish, an initiative that explores the role of oyster reefs in improving marine ecology. Oyster reefs act as natural water filters and provide critical habitats for various marine species, underscoring the need to restore these vital ecosystems.

Conservation is not limited to marine environments. ESRAG is also leading urban verge projects in Melbourne’s suburbs, restoring native plant species to align with regional ecosystems. Inspired by the documentary The Forest, these projects help reintegrate indigenous flora and fauna into urban landscapes, enhancing biodiversity and fostering a greater connection between city dwellers and nature.

Pollinators, particularly bees, are another crucial focus. Clubs throughout Oceania are actively supporting bee populations, recognising their vital role in maintaining ecosystems and food production.

By planting pollinator-friendly gardens and reducing pesticide use, individuals and communities can play an essential role in ensuring the survival of these indispensable creatures.

Wildlife protection is a cause that belongs to all of us. If you have a passion for environmental conservation and a project that aligns with Rotary’s seventh area of focus – environmental sustainability – consider reaching out to ESRAG.

The time to act is now. Our wildlife depends on it.

This Week - Lynne Barrow

 Owing to load shedding and Lynne Barrow having to cancel at the last minute she will be talking this week.  She has also made arrangements just in case load shedding raises its ugly head again.

Kumkani has been moved to the 11th June.

Last Week

It ended up being an entertaining meeting with members talking about various things that  they felt were worth sharing;  so much so that the general consensus was that we should do something like that again.

It's probably because we seldom have a purely social evening and when it is an open Zoom meeting we usually discuss projects and not much else.

And talking of Social Meetings, the breakfast at La Scala Cafe was well attended and a great success.

Next Week

Nora Thiel will be talking to us about Delheim and conservation as well as the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy.

International - South Sudan

More than 100,000 books shipped to South Sudan have been unloaded and are in the hands of students. The materials, received in 2024 by the Rotary Club of Juba, include legal, pharmaceutical, and other science textbooks, along with 11 computers loaded with an additional 33,000 textbooks. The shipment had a value of over $1.5 million. “The books are of great value to the students because not all of them could access online information owing to internet issues,” says Simon Yongo, a past president of the Juba club. The shipment was coordinated by Books for Africa, a Minnesota nonprofit supported in part by Rotarians. Charles Cogan, a member of the Rotary Club of Northfield, Minnesota, who led the project, says senior Rotary leaders helped the project coordinators connect with UNESCO and the humanitarian arm of the U.S. Defence Department. “The partnerships were the key here and turned a smaller project of one container into five containers with 100,000-plus books,” Cogan says. The project was supported by the Juba club as well as 14 clubs in Minnesota and Wisconsin and a District 5960 matching grant.

This Week - Lynne Barrow

Our speaker this week is Lynne Barrow who is currently Social Worker for RandAid.   She has worked in a variety of different situations as well as being a Resident Social Worker at Holy Family College and at Huis Dien Bothma.. she took her degree at Rhodes but originally come from Eshowe.

It promises to be an interesting talk because of the variety of different problems she seeks to alleviate.

Saturday sees our Social Breakfast, 09:30 at La Strada Cafe, cnr Horwood St & 8th Avenue, Edenvale.

Just let me know if you would like to attend as only members were polled and I am sure there are non members and maybe their partners would like to join us.  There is an express breakfast,  2 eggs, tomato, bacon, toast and chips for R59.

Last Week

It was a Business Meeting.  The message that came across loud and clear is the need for us to re-evaluate the work we are doing and the support we provide for charitable institutions  owing to the decline in our income and to changing circumstances within the organisations we support  Also we have look at new ways of doing what we do and to ensure that our assistance goes to those most in need.

Next Week

Kimmel will be talking about Kumkani Clothing.  It's an interesting initiative that has grown out of Kimmel's experience working within the textile industry and has enabled him to establish his own brand.  Unlike many designers he produces clothes that appeal across a broad spectrum of the male population.

International - Austria

To celebrate the centenary of Rotary in Austria, two journalists and longtime Rotarians created a podcast to inspire members and non members alike. Christian Haubner, of the Rotary Club of Freistadt,
and Verena Hahn-Oberthaler, of the Rotary Club of Perg, launched the Rotary Reloaded podcast in December. The German-language podcast features conversations with well-known guests inside and outside of Rotary. “We are targeting both Rotarians and non-Rotarians,” Haubner says. “And we want to do so from a personal perspective. This is our differentiated approach, giving guests personal insights that show how meaningful Rotary can be in people’s lives. We also talk about Rotary as a modern organisation that is needed more than ever today.” His co-host agrees. “With the momentum of 100 years of history, we are looking at the future of Rotary,” Hahn-Oberthaler told Rotary Magazin, the regional magazine for members in Germany and Austria.

 

This Week - A Business Meeting

 As  we never know what a Business Meeting will bring until we receive the agenda, a cartoon is the only information I can give.

Last Meeting

Georgie Visser of Dalewood Fromage Cheese Estate gave us an interesting talk, not only about the cheeses they produce, only from their own herd of Jersey cows, but also on their striving for sustainable and ecological farming.  And I did find their cheese at Cheese Gourmet in Linden.

We had a week's break other than the Masonic Bowls Day which was exhausting for those who played from the club, more than enjoyable for those we sponsored from Retina SA and socially very pleasant for all of us.  I can see that joint events with the Masons are the way to go.

Next Week

Lynnne Barrow, Social Worker at RandAid.

Common issues faced by older persons in a retirement village setting include falls, declining health, technological challenges, and maintaining strong family relationships. Lynn-Marie is dedicated to providing support and guidance in these areas, ensuring that residents receive the assistance they require.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the joy I see in the eyes of a resident I have been able to help. That is priceless,” she says.

Lynn holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Rhodes University, 1992) and has a wealth of experience in the field of social work. Since joining Tarentaal, she has been impressed by the sense of togetherness and shared commitment among the staff and residents to create a welcoming and supportive environment.

International - Mexico

Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets took centre stage during a Blessing of the Animals event co-organised by the Rotary Club of Tehuacán Granadas in Puebla state in January. “Around 1,000 pets and approximately 3,000 people attended the event this year,” reports Paola Ortiz Gómez, president of the club, which partnered with TAC Una Protección al Entorno A.C., a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the protection of animals. Since 2022, the club has organised and promoted the special Mass. “We all believe that by fostering a culture of respect for nonhuman life, it teaches us to respect human life as well,” she says. “It fills us with satisfaction to see that entire families attend and not only receive a blessing for their pet but at the same time receive veterinary care, learn about animal adoptions, and donate to the care of homeless animals."