I'd like to start my first President's Pen by thanking everyone who attended changeover and welcomed me in warmly as President. The vibe was great at Reform Distilling and exactly what I was hoping for. Special mention goes to my friend Simone for all the delicious baking. I'm still making my way through a few cupcakes! Congrats again to Yvette for her PHF (3 sapphire) and to Elaine who was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.
We have had a very busy week since Changeover with the multiple projects on the go. Rob and I met with Amy Rowe from Catherine House on Sunday to review the gardens that are needing a makeover (so many weeds!) and firm up plans for the work, Fred's Van on Wednesday night (thanks Bruce, Paige and Fatemeh!), and our annual tree planting event with the City of Adelaide occurring this Saturday 25th, combined with our Cuppa Conversation meet up. In addition, we also have our regular dinner meeting on Thursday where we will be doing strategic planning to start the Rotary year off with targeted direction and goals. Thanks in advance to Paul Jupp who has volunteered to facilitate this.
You are warmly invited to join us for a lovely community activity: *Tree Planting with the City of Adelaide and Rotary Club of Adelaide Light* đ±đł
đ *Saturday 25th July*
â° *10:00am â 12:00pm*
đ *South Eastern Victoria Park* (corner of Greenhill and Fullarton Roads)
In our hunt for good wine, we managed to acquire the last pallet of Jim Barryâs special offer partnership shiraz for the McGrath Foundation (they receive $2 a bottle). The Foundationâs goal is a specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurse to all Australian families experiencing breast cancer (1 in 7 women). So, while supporting them, you can also help our Rotary Club of Adelaide Lightâs own charitable work.
The wine's tasting notes are below. Itâs a great price at $159/dozen (almost half), combining elegance with robust flavours.
Let us know if youâd like a dozen, then pay your $159 to Account: Rotary Club of Adelaide Light;
BSB: 085 005, Account No: 51 108 5536,Ref: your name - shiraz
Thank you, John Wotherspoon and Rob McLennan e: john@wothers.net | m: 0488 0000 50
SHIRAZ Winemaking Notes A lively, youthful Shiraz bursting with aromas of blue and dark berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and delicate spice. The palate reveals generous blueberry and blackberry !avours, subtle hints of violet, and beautifully integrated oak. Bright and fresh, it shows excellent structure and impressive layers of complexity.
Since our founding in 1959, our story has been shaped by passion, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the people and land behind every bottle of Shiraz we produce. We believe in making a meaningful di"erence with what we have, a philosophy that underpins our partnership with the McGrath Foundation.
The McGrath Foundationâs mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. With the same care and dedication we bring to nurturing our vineyards and crafting our wines, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses provide vital support and compassion to individuals and families navigating cancer. In 2025, we were proud to renew our three-year nurse funding partnership, committing $140,000 annually to support a dedicated McGrath Foundation Cancer Care Nurse.
Wine has been !owing in the Clare Valley since 1851 and is an integral part of the culture. It is one of Australiaâs most prestigious premium wine regions, most famous for its Riesling and Shiraz. A small area, accounting for less than 1.5% of Australiaâs total wine production.With its beautiful, rolling hills, ideal winter rainfall and Mediteranean climate, the Clare Valley carries a unique history and winemaking heritage.
United in the spirit of Service we value truth, fairness and friendship; and we welcome the opportunity that Rotary gives us to contribute our talents and resources in support of others.
Rotary Club of Adelaide Light Mission Statement
To have fun and engage interest from new members and friends as we use our strengths for a better world here and abroad - a welcoming, flexible group having fun doing hands-on activities for positive impact.
In the gents room I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying: "Hi, how are you?"
I'm not the type to start a conversation in the restroom but I don't know what got into me, so I answered, somewhat embarrassed, "Doin' just fine!" And the other person says: "So what are you up to?"
What kind of question is that? At that point, I'm thinking this is too bizarre so I say: "Uhhh, I'm like you, just traveling!"
At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question. "Can I come over?" Ok, this question is just too weird for me but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell them "No.......I'm a little busy right now!!!"
Then I hear the person say nervously... "Listen, I'll have to call you back. There's an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions!
