Presidents Report
Addressing domestic and family violence is an issue very rightly gaining increasing traction in the community and this week our Club’s attention was focused on this incredibly important issue. On Thursday night, President-Elect Neville and myself attended a domestic violence fundraiser organised by Hills Community Aid. Held at Rydges Norwest, there were about 250 people in attendance including colleagues from the Rotary Clubs of Kenthurst and Norwest Sunrise. This was a highly effective event, and it was fantastic to see so many local businesses and organisations working together to generate funds to support the transitional housing needs of women and children impacted by this form of violence.
Our efforts in this area really ramped up on Friday as we prepared for our Mother’s Day Market, and of course on Saturday when we held this event to raise funds for the Sanctuary – the Hills Women’s Shelter (which provides a refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence) and The Hill’s Women’s Shed (which is an initiative of Positive Vibes and provides resources and education and training to help empower women and girls). A beautiful sunny day and a great spirit of goodwill and community engagement meant this was another very successful event for our Club. There were many members and partners involved in this event including those who: cooked for the cake stall; donated plants for the plant stall; cooked and served on the BBQ; set up banners or distributed flyers; ensured we were set up for EFT payments; worked on the actual day. Equally, the event was a wonderful way to work with our colleagues from Cherrybrook Girl Guides and the Rural Fire Services and build collaborative relationships with them and other groups like Cherrybrook Uniting Church and the Homicide Victim’s Support Group who also had stalls at the event in addition to our external stallholders. The person we really need to thank for organising and managing this fundraiser is Neville, whose project management skills and unflappable nature shone through throughout the planning and execution of this event. So big congratulations to all involved – amazing effort!
At the same time the market was happening, so too was the King’s Coronation lunch organised by the Federal member for Berowra, Julian Lesser MP. Taking place at Fagan Park Galston this event aimed to bring together local residents and community organisations and groups to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Colin S and John C were involved and represented the Club to let people know what our Club does in the local community.
So now to the upcoming week. Vocational Director, Edwina has been busy and has a group of 20 members organised for a site visit to Bob’s motor workshop on Monday 08 May followed by dinner at Seven Hills RSL. At the end of the week, our Club has been invited to attend the Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrises’ Wine and Cheese Night on Friday 12 May at the RDU headquarters at Norwest (see ad in the bulletin). And on Saturday 13 May, Anne as Environmental Officer, has scheduled a gardening clean-up at the Galston containers at 11am followed by a BBQ lunch onsite at 1pm.
To pre-empt the following week, we have a big night on Monday 15 May, as this will be a face-to-face meeting to celebrate our annual Pride of Workmanship Awards ceremony plus recognise a new Honorary member to the Club’s ranks. So, my friends that’s the Buzz for the week. Go safely until we meet up.
Regards Janelle
Our efforts in this area really ramped up on Friday as we prepared for our Mother’s Day Market, and of course on Saturday when we held this event to raise funds for the Sanctuary – the Hills Women’s Shelter (which provides a refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence) and The Hill’s Women’s Shed (which is an initiative of Positive Vibes and provides resources and education and training to help empower women and girls). A beautiful sunny day and a great spirit of goodwill and community engagement meant this was another very successful event for our Club. There were many members and partners involved in this event including those who: cooked for the cake stall; donated plants for the plant stall; cooked and served on the BBQ; set up banners or distributed flyers; ensured we were set up for EFT payments; worked on the actual day. Equally, the event was a wonderful way to work with our colleagues from Cherrybrook Girl Guides and the Rural Fire Services and build collaborative relationships with them and other groups like Cherrybrook Uniting Church and the Homicide Victim’s Support Group who also had stalls at the event in addition to our external stallholders. The person we really need to thank for organising and managing this fundraiser is Neville, whose project management skills and unflappable nature shone through throughout the planning and execution of this event. So big congratulations to all involved – amazing effort!
At the same time the market was happening, so too was the King’s Coronation lunch organised by the Federal member for Berowra, Julian Lesser MP. Taking place at Fagan Park Galston this event aimed to bring together local residents and community organisations and groups to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Colin S and John C were involved and represented the Club to let people know what our Club does in the local community.
So now to the upcoming week. Vocational Director, Edwina has been busy and has a group of 20 members organised for a site visit to Bob’s motor workshop on Monday 08 May followed by dinner at Seven Hills RSL. At the end of the week, our Club has been invited to attend the Rotary Club of Norwest Sunrises’ Wine and Cheese Night on Friday 12 May at the RDU headquarters at Norwest (see ad in the bulletin). And on Saturday 13 May, Anne as Environmental Officer, has scheduled a gardening clean-up at the Galston containers at 11am followed by a BBQ lunch onsite at 1pm.
To pre-empt the following week, we have a big night on Monday 15 May, as this will be a face-to-face meeting to celebrate our annual Pride of Workmanship Awards ceremony plus recognise a new Honorary member to the Club’s ranks. So, my friends that’s the Buzz for the week. Go safely until we meet up.
Regards Janelle
Local Rotary Club discovers new Australian Bee ...
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The Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook claims the first sighting of a newly discovered bee. They wish it to be called Janellbzzz Beebzzz.
This newly discovered bee was found buzzying around the Rotary Club's Mothers Day Market, spreading joy to both esteemed persons and mere Rotarians. (This writer cannot confirm if the above uses correct Latin).
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Night Report
The meeting was a Vocational Visit organised by our Vocational Director Edwina, to one of our members, Bob Whyms, workshop located in Seven Hills.
The night started at 6pm at the workshop and there was about 14 members that attended the informative evening. Bob had organised 4 of his staff members to stay back and to show us how some of the machinery works and the process of diagnosing the efficiency of motor vehicles.
The 90 minute presentation covered items such as:
Once the Vocational Visit was completed, the Rotarians headed to the Seven Hills RSL for a meal. It was great to see the banter and fellowship amongst the attendees. The night wouldn’t have been complete without the RSL’s fire alarms going off and 2 large NSW Fire Brigade truck arriving to assess the reason for the alarm. All ended well and we were still served our drinks and meals.
The night started at 6pm at the workshop and there was about 14 members that attended the informative evening. Bob had organised 4 of his staff members to stay back and to show us how some of the machinery works and the process of diagnosing the efficiency of motor vehicles.
The 90 minute presentation covered items such as:
- How a mechanic checks the power and life of a battery. This is one of the first things tested as a vehicle comes in for a service.
- The technician then checks the relevant oil pressures and levels, for both the engine oil and also the brake oil/fluid.
- The next test that is conducted is the efficiency of the motor and to see if the filters are working well or if they are clogged. A computerised prod is inserted into the exhaust and the computer analysis the Oxygen (O) levels, Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels, the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels. From this test, the mechanic can ascertain if there is a problem with the engine, intake values or any other issues generating from the engine.
- Once the above has been inspected and reported, the next item to check is the cars brakes and discs. There are minimum and safety levels that any mechanic must adhered too and if the discs or pads are too worn and the car has any safety issues, then it is noted on the worksheet and the owner is strongly advised to change the brake discs and brake pads.
- The next stage of a regular car service is to check the tyres, both the current pressure and also the remaining tyre tread. Again, for safety reasons, if there is not sufficient tread, then it is the responsibility of the mechanic to recommend new tyres. Bob advised never to buy re-treads, as they are not safe, even though they may be cheaper than a new tyre. We also learned that the life of a tyre is 7 years and any tyre aged older than 7 years may result in a decline of an insurance claim, in the event of an accident.
- We were then moved onto the next stage of a tyres inspection which was the wheel balance and alignment. The machinery involved was very technical and very highly calibrated, as well as very expensive. A proper wheel alignment can take a qualified technician between 30 – 60 minutes to complete the diagnostic.
- We ended the Vocational Visit with a demonstration of how Bob’s workshop can test the efficiency of a high performance motor, in this case it was Bob’s own Audi that was put to the test. Suffice to say his car is a beast and a monster and it punches out a lot of power when needed.
Once the Vocational Visit was completed, the Rotarians headed to the Seven Hills RSL for a meal. It was great to see the banter and fellowship amongst the attendees. The night wouldn’t have been complete without the RSL’s fire alarms going off and 2 large NSW Fire Brigade truck arriving to assess the reason for the alarm. All ended well and we were still served our drinks and meals.
Photos
Certificate of Appreciation presented to Peter Stanton from RC Blacktown City
Mothers Day Market
Photos courtesy of Edwina, Carol, Janelle & Self
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Entry Prize Winners at Mothers Day Markets
King's Coronation Picnic - Fagan Park Galston
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Julian Leeser MP for Berowra invited the club to set up a booth to showcase Rotary at his King’s Coronation Picnic on Saturday 6th May 2023. This clashed with our Mother’s Day Market at Cherrybrook, however, John Caruana and I set up a booth to represent the club. No prospective members forthcoming, however, we did renew our contact with councillors, the MP for Castle Hill, the mayor of Hornsby, deputy mayor of Hills Shires and Julian Leeser. The Editor of the Galston, Glenorie & Hills Community New (a sister publication to Dooral Roundup), was very interested in our activities in the area her publication covers. She would like to see the articles we prepare for Dooral Roundup sent to her. Spoke to Lakshmi Pillamarri who is involved with the Cherrybrook Community chapter of the Sydney Community Groups. They are running an event at Cherrybrook Community Centre on May 13th to raise funds for the Cherrybrook RFS.
Colin Sharpe |
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Night Photos courtesy of Edwina & Janelle
Humour
Brownies and more ... contributed by Cawas
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Some of these are parochial... contributed by Jim
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Seniors Wisdom... contributed by Jim
SENIORS WISDOM...
The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.
Be decisive. Right or wrong, make a decision. The road is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.
Happiness is not having to set the alarm clock.
When I get a headache, I take two aspirin and keep away from children just like the bottle says.
Just once, I want the prompt for username and password to say, “Close enough.”
Becoming an adult is the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.
If you see me talking to myself, just move along. I’m self-employed. We’re having a meeting.
“Your call is very important to us. Please enjoy this 40-minute flute solo".
Does anyone else have a plastic bag full of plastic bags, or is it just me?
I hate it when I can’t figure out how to operate the iPad and my tech support guy is asleep. He’s 5 and it’s past his bedtime.
Today’s 3-year-olds can switch on laptops and open their favorite apps. When I was 3, I ate mud.
Tip for a successful marriage: Don’t ask your wife when dinner will be ready while she’s mowing the lawn.
So, you drive across town to a gym to walk on a treadmill?
I didn't make it to the gym today. That makes five years in a row.
I decided to stop calling the bathroom "John" and renamed it the "Jim". I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
Old age is coming at a really bad time.
If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would've put them on my knees.
Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet.
Why do I have to press one for English when you're just going to transfer me to someone I can't understand anyway?
Now, I'm wondering . . . did I send this to you, did you send it to me or have I only sent one copy?
The Commandments for Seniors……
You don't need anger management. You need people to stop pissing you off.
Your people skills are just fine. It's your tolerance for idiots that needs work.
"On time" is when you get there.
Even duct tape can't fix stupid – but it sure does muffle the sound.
It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free...and three sizes smaller.
Lately, you've noticed people your age are so much older than you.
"One for the road" means peeing before you leave the house.
The ability to speak several languages is an asset, but the ability to keep your mouth shut in any language is priceless.
Be decisive. Right or wrong, make a decision. The road is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.
Happiness is not having to set the alarm clock.
When I get a headache, I take two aspirin and keep away from children just like the bottle says.
Just once, I want the prompt for username and password to say, “Close enough.”
Becoming an adult is the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.
If you see me talking to myself, just move along. I’m self-employed. We’re having a meeting.
“Your call is very important to us. Please enjoy this 40-minute flute solo".
Does anyone else have a plastic bag full of plastic bags, or is it just me?
I hate it when I can’t figure out how to operate the iPad and my tech support guy is asleep. He’s 5 and it’s past his bedtime.
Today’s 3-year-olds can switch on laptops and open their favorite apps. When I was 3, I ate mud.
Tip for a successful marriage: Don’t ask your wife when dinner will be ready while she’s mowing the lawn.
So, you drive across town to a gym to walk on a treadmill?
I didn't make it to the gym today. That makes five years in a row.
I decided to stop calling the bathroom "John" and renamed it the "Jim". I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
Old age is coming at a really bad time.
If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would've put them on my knees.
Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet.
Why do I have to press one for English when you're just going to transfer me to someone I can't understand anyway?
Now, I'm wondering . . . did I send this to you, did you send it to me or have I only sent one copy?
The Commandments for Seniors……
You don't need anger management. You need people to stop pissing you off.
Your people skills are just fine. It's your tolerance for idiots that needs work.
"On time" is when you get there.
Even duct tape can't fix stupid – but it sure does muffle the sound.
It would be wonderful if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes, then come out wrinkle-free...and three sizes smaller.
Lately, you've noticed people your age are so much older than you.
"One for the road" means peeing before you leave the house.
