It has really started chilling down a bit in the morning so an early morning dip has become that little bit more challenging
Photo Of The Day by Frank McKenna
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Last year, the St Francis Bay community lost one of its most passionate and dedicated residents, Tom Roux. Tom was known for his unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of St Francis. His incredible tours around Sea Vista and St Francis Bay showcased the impactful work Rotary was doing in these communities. His tours were more than just informational; they were a testament to the power of service and the difference that Rotary members make in the lives of so many.
One tour, which included Rotarians Lesley de Jager (now President-Elect) and Gail Petrie, ended at the St Francis Bay Fire Station. As they stood there, the heavens opened, and a heavy downpour began.
So, waiting inside for the storm to pass, they noted the station’s conditions. What they saw was a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by those who protect our community. The roof was leaking badly, and the kitchen was unusable. Also, the couches were in such poor condition that they couldn’t even be sat on. Furthermore, the toilets were in disrepair. Even more concerning was that the sleeping areas for both men and women were cramped into one room.
These were the brave men and women who fought the notorious fires that have plagued St Francis Bay for years. They worked tirelessly on 24-hour shifts, putting their lives on the line to keep us all safe. Yet, their own station, where they rested, ate, and prepared for their next mission, was in desperate need of attention.
Seeing this firsthand, a proposal was made to address these pressing issues. The Rotary Steering Committee quickly approved it. Furthermore, a few months later, Billy’s Beach, a local business with a heart for community, stepped up. They allocated a portion of the funds from their annual “Ballies Party” to help revamp the St Francis Bay Fire Station. They contributed a generous R360,000 – the largest allocation from their annual event to the Rotary Club of St Francis.
With plans in place and the legal groundwork completed, today, a year after Tom’s passing, marks the beginning of a much-needed renovation project. The first phase will see the roof replaced, with the project set to be completed in the coming months. Thereafter, Phase 2 will focus on revamping the kitchen, creating a recreational room, establishing separate sleeping areas for men and women. Also, improving bathroom facilities and a gym area. This comprehensive upgrade will ensure our firefighters have the facilities they deserve and a proper place to rest, recover, and continue their vital work.
As we embark on this journey of renewal, the Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to continue the legacy of Tom Roux. A week before his passing, Tom made a heartfelt request to fellow Rotarian Jef Forrer:
“If anything happens to me, please ensure the Fire Station work continues.” Today, thanks to his vision and the dedication of so many, that promise is being fulfilled.
This is more than just a building project. It’s a tribute to the selflessness and bravery of our firefighters and a reminder that when a community comes together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Stay tuned as we share more updates on the progress of this project. The Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to be part of this important cause, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our first responders and our community as a whole.
#RotaryClub #StFrancisBay #TomRouxLegacy #CommunitySupport #FireStationRenovation #LocalHeroes #BillysBeach #ServiceAboveSelf
By Gail Petrie
Read more: MayDay NSRI Golf Day Raises Over R55,000 For Station 21, St Francis Bay
After over 50 years at the helm, Warren Buffett stepped down last week as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, closing a legendary chapter in global investing. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett transformed Berkshire from a struggling textile firm into a financial behemoth through a principled, long-term approach to capital allocation. As investors worldwide reflect on his retirement, here are five timeless lessons he leaves behind.
Buffett’s investment philosophy begins with the concept of a “circle of competence.” He consistently avoided trends he didn’t understand—such as tech in its early days—and focused instead on simple, enduring businesses with predictable earnings. From Coca-Cola to Dairy Queen, his success stemmed from buying businesses he could easily explain to a layperson.
“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing,” Buffett famously said.
Buffett moved away from Benjamin Graham’s deep value strategies toward a refined philosophy: it’s better to buy a great business at a fair price than a fair business at a great price. His focus shifted to companies with strong brand moats, consistent earnings, and capable management—Apple, American Express, and Geico being prime examples.
Buffett’s contrarian instinct enabled him to act decisively during market panics. In 2008, while others fled the market, he made bold investments in Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. His ability to stay rational and invest during periods of extreme fear became a hallmark of his success.
Time is the friend of a good business, Buffett often stressed. Berkshire Hathaway’s success was built not on rapid trading, but on holding investments for decades. His patience and discipline allowed compounding to work its magic, turning modest investments into generational wealth.
Buffett warned consistently about the dangers of borrowing to invest. Berkshire maintained a fortress-like balance sheet, allowing it to act decisively during downturns without being constrained by debt obligations.
“If you’re smart, you don’t need leverage. If you’re dumb, it’ll ruin you,” he once said.
As Warren Buffett hands over the reins, his investment wisdom will continue to shape generations. His success wasn’t built on secrets, but on clarity, discipline, and humility—virtues just as powerful today as when he first bought his first stock at age 11.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner.
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