Hi, kids are back at school, everyone else back at work and so we know 2017 is underway. I hope you all had an enjoyable Australia Day (and possibly long weekend). Ian and I did, including celebrating his 70th birthday with all our children and grandchildren. I do wonder where those 44 years have gone since we met across a crowded staff room at Katoomba High School. But I also remember great adventures we have had and how much we have loved working together on lots of different projects within and outside of Rotary.
Ana, our exchange student has arrived and will be living with the Burnetts initially. Let's make her year one of great adventures too and long lasting memories and get to know her as part of our Rotary Club. Don't forget to ask her out to a special event, a family BBQ, a weekend away or just for a coffee.
Our RYLA students have completed their camps and RYPEN is this weekend so we look forward to hearing about their experiences very soon. Let's bring them in to the broader Rotary community as well.
There is another RYPEN camp 16 to 18 June, this time in Springwood. If you know of any young year 9 or 10 student who would benefit from a leadership skills course then let Pam Bennett know so we can see if they are interested.
Liane reports that our ROMAC patient is coming along well although it is tough going for a two year old. Speaking of patients, Brian had his surgery last week and is recovering well - he may even make it to the meeting but I have told him not to push himself. Unfortunately Barbara is back in hospital. Hopefully not for long and she knows we all support her.
For those interested in a different form of trivia, the Ryde e-club are running an e-trivia day on 11 February. Register at
www.e-trivia.org.au
Now for our booked in dates for 2017. As well as meetings at DLC on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Friday mornings with a social night usually on the 4th Friday, we have board meetings at DLC on the 4th Friday morning and then the following special activities.
March - 11th - District Conference - Penrith
18th - Trivia Night at Ryde Rehab Hospital
25th - Opera at Pearl Beach
April - 1st - PETS (President elect training- would be great if someone could join me)
23rd - District Assembly - Kings School
May - 21st to 26th - IT visit
June - 23rd June - Changeover dinner at Basil's Trafalgar Square
August - 27th - Fun Run at Macquarie University
October - 20th - Golf Day at North Ryde Golf Club
December - 8th - end of year party - venue to be determined
16th - BBQ at Cox's Rd
17th - Carols at Ryde Common
At our last meeting we discussed our major projects (IT visit, Fun Run and Carols) and while we have agreed we will go ahead with them we still need some members to take on the lead roles for the Fun Run and the Carols. I am sure we will make a great success of each project as we work together.
See you Friday.
Rotary Clubs provide the heart and soul – and inspiration – of every District Conference and our Conference on 11 March will be no exception. 
