Come Play and Learn With Us

Bring your children and grandchildren to come and play. That was the message of Play Africa's Cheryl-Lyn Selman and Ann Simmons at the meeting last week when they addressed the club on the groundbreaking work this NGO is doing at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein.
     President Judy Sligcher was recently invited along with Paul Westcott of the Rotary Club of Northcliff to open the brand new sensory water table donated by the Rotary Club of Mercer Island in Seattle, Washington State in the USA.
     She decided it would be a good opportunity to find out more about what Play Africa does.

Cheryl-Lyn Selman

     Cheryl-Lyn told the club about her strong ties with Rotary, having been in an Interact club in Zimbabwe as a schoolgirl.
     Play Africa, she said, was founded by the American journalist Gretchen Wilson-Prangley, who is currently on maternity leave, to create a place for children from all walks of life to play and interact with each other on equal terms.
     The aim is to connect children and their families with other children and their families from all walks of life.

Ann Simmonds

     Gretchen looked at what is available to children in America and decided to try to attempt to provide the same facilities in Johannesburg. Her vision is to change the face of the city by creating spaces and opportunities for children and families to get together.
     Play Africa is more than just a playground in a courtyard at Constitution Hill, Cheryl-Lyn and colleague Ann Simmonds told the club.
     It also encompasses a children's museum and provides curated exhibits on topics such as children's rights, children's courts and others. The aim is to provide a judgment-free zone for children and facilities to promote maths, science, technology and engineering as well as reading and storytelling.

President Judy Sligcher and Rtn Val Hackett swap banners

     We had a welcome visitor to the club in Rotarian Val Hackett of the Rotary Club of Deerfield Beach in Florida, USA. Val is a lifelong friend of Helene Bramwell and was in South Africa for a visit. She took proposals for our club projects back with her to present to her club.
     Val said four clubs in her district are situated in the Bahamas and that the district had already sent a ship with supplies to the storm ravaged islands after hurricane Dorian struck, with another one on its way.

     Another visitor was President-elect Elvis Munatswa of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central who came to pitch their annual Concert in the Garden (formerly Jazz in the Garden) at Muldersdrift on Saturday, 28 September.
     The details are on the flyer above.

Paul with Josefien Sligcher

     A third visitor is becoming something of a regular. Little Josefien Sligcher was as good as gold on a visit with mom Abi and spent most off the meeting playing quietly on Paul Kasango's lap.
     This is not the first time she has visited with Abi and she has also come along with dad Adriaen. A Rotarian in the making, for sure.

     The Rotary Club of Johannesburg has thrown down the gauntlet as they did last year with a Quiz Night, Dinner and Wine Auction. The idea is that New Dawn will take a table and try to win this year, so put on your thinking caps.

District Governor Maurice Stander

     One of the most important dates of the year is coming up with the official visit of District Governor Maurice Stander to the club at the Wednesday morning meeting. DG Maurice will address the club and meet with the club officials afterwards.
     Please also remember to bring lots of wine and other drinks for the Barrow of Booze raffle for the annual Golf Day. The wheelbarrow has been delivered and now needs to be filled to attract potential investors on the streets of Parkview.
     A Thought for the Week: It is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action. - Honoré de Balzac (1799 - 1850)