Winter Warmth in the Rotary Family

There's a report back on the menu at the meeting this week with Pieter du Toit, political editor of Netwerk24, as the speaker.
     Pieter spoke to the club shortly before the May general election and will be talking about the election results and what has transpired politically since then.
     Pieter proved to be a dynamic speaker last time around and his follow-up promises to be just as interesting and provocative.

Joan Donet and Jankees Sligcher in focus at the meeting

     The meeting last week was devoted to business ahead of the board meeting on Friday where Linda Vink thanked the board individually and collectively for all the successes of last year. Notable amongst these is that we're fully expecting a platinum Presidential Citation, the highest class. Hold your breath! The announcement is expected in the next few months.

Graham Donet reporting on youth activities

     At the meeting a number of suggestions were put forward for Mandela Day activities on 18 July and these will no doubt be finalised this week.
     There were portfolio reports from board members on matters such as membership, youth, projects and fundraising. We ran out of time, but the conversation was continued at the board meeting.
     There are some portfolio changes between the outgoing and incoming boards (Foundation, Treasurer, Projects, etc) and the handovers are in progress.
     PDG Jankees Sligcher raised the possibility that New Dawn could take over the Soweto Rotary Club's community corps of about 20 volunteers. The Soweto Club has now been disbanded (there were only 4 members left) and it would be a pity to lose the volunteering spirit of the corps.
     Keeping them going could be a stepping stone to re-establishing a Rotary club in Soweto.
     The club has agreed to the step and will make contact with them.

Carol Stier and Julian Nagy both remain on the board

     We were also able to report that The Link is currently working on opening two to three new centres at schools in line with the requirements of the Global Grant and that funds for these centres have already been provided to them through the grant.

Megan Maynard and Judy Symons working on games for the pupils targeted by The Link

     Wednesday also saw a group of volunteers from The Link, the Rotaract club and New Dawn get together to put together games for the schoolchildren, providing some hands-on fun for those involved.
     Getting together like that is a good way to ward off the winter blues in these coldest months in Johannesburg.

Judy Sligcher at the meeting. More than 30 people have already accepted her
 induction invitation in the Magalieberg

     Nine club members have indicated that they'll share the table at the End Polio Now campaign fundraiser at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton on 19 July, followed by Judy Sligcher's induction on Saturday, 20 July at the Nyoka Vulture Restaurant in the Magaliesberg.
     Helene Bramwell has also taken a table which means that R2000 will be donated to the End Polio Now campaign on behalf of New Dawn, which will add to our Paul Harris Recognition account.

The flyer for Mike MacDonald's annual Wanderers Pro-Am

     The busy week kicks off with Mike MacDonald's annual Pro-Am Golf Day at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. Mike has pledged R10000 of the proceeds to New Dawn as well as any money we can raise from a raffle on the day. The prize will be a hamper filled with goodies.
     This is money much needed and all members are welcome to join the golfers at the 19th hole and at the handing out of prizes.

           The speaker next week (17 July) is Carrie Pratt of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs), an American who has been in South Africa for 20 years. She specialises in youth development and leadership.
     The month of July ends with a fifth Wednesday (31 July) and the suggestion was a pizza evening at the Parkview Golf Club for some fellowship and to ward off the winter blues.
     A Thought for the Week: I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me. - Noel Coward 91899 - 1973)