The shadows of the mind are like those of the body.

In the morning of life they all lie behind us; at noon we trample them under foot; and in the evening they stretch long, broad, and deepening before us.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

How did you spend your birthday this year?  A candle-lit dinner out?  

Oops - Corona got in the way!

Dennis Shore celebrated another birthday on Saturday by chairing an event to Celebrate our Rotary Foundation on Zoom. Over 300 Zoom attendees from all over the country, (and some Kiwis to boot) listened to future RI President Jennifer Jones, and saw some major donors to the foundation being thanked. The story came out about a lady (not a Rotarian) who had heard of the work of the Rotary Foundation, and who left  $750,000 to the TRF office in Parramatta. 

In any case, Dennis kept the participants on a short rein, as he fielded questions for Jennifer to answer. 

Well done Dennis, you may take a lolly from the jar - and have a wee dram with Lynda to celebrate your birthday.

Paul Harris Fellow

As the Covid restrictions ease, we are all able to move around a bit more.

On Sunday, Charlotte and Peter England went to afternoon tea with Geoff and Susan Wright at their home in Flinders.  Charlotte had the opportunity to give Geoff his Paul Harris with one Sapphire recognition.

Well done Geoff: we look forward to seeing you at the Xmas party.

Rotary Wheel

Those who are looking ahead to some spring cleaning, have a look at all the old logos on your computer (right). Check out these outdated RI wheels, for a start, and keep the up-to-date one on the left. 

Now is a good time to clear out your rubbish bin.

Today’s Meeting

Phil Dolan’s talk was a cracker, wasn’t it? (The Shadow is quietly slipping into Xmas mode)

Several "Friends of Rotary" and guests were sighted, including Max Dumais, John Perry (a regular) Jamie Loh, Ralph Treloar, Amanda Drury (down from Sydney), Jed and Stuart whose surnames slipped off the desktop. Great to see you all.

With all that creative thinking, he wonders what Rotary will come upon with in the New Year. If giving away free stuff is any help, there are boxes of Band-Aids at DIK.  Can come up with even better solutions?

The Christmas Factor

The Christmas Factor, or Factor IX is one of the proteases of the coagulation system. Deficiency of this protein causes haemophilia B. It was discovered in 1952 after a young boy named Stephen Christmas was found to be lacking this exact factor, leading to haemophilia. Coagulation factor IX is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

Factor IX deficiency is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder, usually manifested in males and transmitted by females who carry the causative mutation on the X chromosome. 

Be that as it may, let’s get ready for Christmas: Rotary in Harmony will feature Christmas Carols on Sunday 13th December, and our Christmas Party will be on Wednesday December 16th.

Book early for the best seats!