Why you should always say YES to opportunities.... and the world of collagen
A chance meeting at the USC Community Fund dinner on Wednesday night led to a famous world renowned speaker Professor Tim Wess joining us on Friday. We didn't know at the time we met Tim at USC, but Tim is not only an inspirational academic, but also the world expert in Collagen.
Collagen is something only a few of us will know from our visits to a certain clinic. However, Tim has been studying this material because of its importance to human development, and particularly as a material used as a recording medium to store world history, such as Dead Sea scrolls, Domesday book, Magna Carta, Declaration of Arbroath and basically anywhere that required human history to be recorded - and sometimes in blood.
A fascinating talk, including how to read a a scroll parchment without destroying it by unrolling it, and the use of X-rays as fingerprints into the past, as well as how a visit to a German shoe museum can lead to a the most unexpected outcomes. (really!!)
But Professor Tim's main message was one of enthusiasm for learning, and why you should always say YES to every opportunity to learn. You never know where it might lead!
Professor Tim, with some of the institutions he has led or served over the years.
Solstice Swim getting closer
Some great news during the week, the Thrive board have considered the request from SalTy Souls Legacy / Rotary to allow them to be part of the Thrive Hub on Aerodrome road.
Steve N produced some of his usual professional drawings to describe to Thrive what we wanted to achieve and now we're looking forward to catching with Thrive and receiving formal approval for this step towards establishing a new SalTy Souls Legacy on the Coast.
Skye's Canadian quiz
So on Friday Skye decided to test our knowledge of her Canadian Rotary Club and all things Canadian.
It was all going wonderfully until it was realised that instead of holding the quiz question sheet, one of the quiz teams had actually received the answers.
So did you know Rotary's secondary motto? or how many Rotarians there are in Canada?
This is Skye holding the question sheet..unfortunately one of the teams has the answer sheet. Doh!
One thing that has always mystified a certain scribe about Canada...... Why isn't Canada called Canadia (?)..after all the folks there are Canadians?
Changeover Dinner Invite
Folks, its going to be a busy end of June, with Charmaine's masquerade ball, the Solstice Swim and the changeover of Committee dinner, but be sure to put this date in your calendar.
Amazing Scholars at USC
3 scholarships were awarded on Wednesday night from the Rotary / University Community Fund.
Shannon Horsfall
Shannon is studying the effect of domestic violence on children, and particularly in the field of creative writing, and allowing children to express their stories. Shannon was truly passionate about helping kids through their trauma by storytelling. Look forward to her book on the subject.
Tomas Banks
Thomas was already the recipient of several scholarships, and is clearly a student going places. His field of study is Marine gene management and studying why certain crustaceans gene cells do not behave genetically the way that other cells do. It could open up a new field in molecular biology.
Tomas Lang
Tomas is studying restorative DNA in molecular biology, and and has an interest in marine seaweeds that have some amazing properties and the nasty crown of thorn starfishes. An interesting aside is the interest in a marine seaweed that doesn't produce methane when eaten by cattle. Could have significant implications for climate change if Tomas can find out why?
Joy Ungers represented the club and took the stage to present Alex Rotary's continuing contribution to these exceptional students.
A very well run evening and an excellent talk from USC Vice Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett on the importance interaction of Regional Universities in Australia with the community.
ROMAC - Vincents Story
We had an update on Vincent's story from the Chair of ROMAC and how the medical volunteers are coping with COVID, below. Great news that Vincent is back in Solomon Islands and doing well. One lucky boy, helped by the fantastic team at ROMAC, and your donations.
AGFR Golfers arrive from interstate
It's happening! The AGFR tee's off this week, and the Maroochy River Golf club is where its all happening. The folks were at the registration desk at Maroochy Waters golf club to welcome the new arrivals from interstate and are now looking forward to a week of golfing and tours on the coast.
Note that the club meeting this week is a combined meeting with Maroochydore Rotary on Thursday evening. There will be no breakfast meeting, as most members will be helping out at teh golf or playing golf on Friday morning.