Weekly Message from Ngaire #8
It was great to see DG Dennis at our weekly meeting on Tuesday. So many clubs meet on a Tuesday and Dennis’ schedule is usually full, so it was an unexpected and very welcome visit. Gordon Cheyne chaired our second Club Forum, speaking about the role and importance of The Rotary Foundation before passing over to Robert Ball for his financial presentation.
The GardenDesignFest committee had their first meeting on Tuesday with RC of Kew organisers, who have confirmed that our club will have 5 gardens to manage on the Open Garden weekend in November. We will need a manager and 12-16 volunteers per garden to cover the roster for the two days, November 17th and 18th. John Christoffelsz is our convenor for this event.
Our first Bunnings BBQ is scheduled for September 1st. This is a relatively easy fundraising option and I thank all members who so willingly filled in the duty roster. Gerald Swinnerton is our BBQ King for this event as Ian is holidaying in Queensland.
Phil Stewart is Chief Spruiker for our Christmas Ham and Wine sales this year and started his sales pitch on Tuesday. Please start thinking now about which companies and friends you will approach to purchase our high quality hams and other goodies.
Thanks to Norman Hall who, in my absence, responded to Carla’s Facebook message, we have received another greeting from her. Carla is really thrilled to have heard back from us. For those of you who are not into Facebook, her text is below.
Sadly, this week we bid farewell to Joy Ings who passed away over the weekend. Jack remains in Cabrini and we send him our loving thoughts and extend our heartfelt condolences. Also, Sue Rush lost both her father and aunty this week. Our love and thoughts are with Sue and David in this sad time and we send them our heartfelt sympathy.
Our first Cluster meeting for the year was a great reinforcement of the power of Rotary. All our Yarra clubs are working harmoniously, and happily supporting each other’s local projects, Men’s Shed, GardenDesignFest and Rotary Cares, and our international programs, Sumba, Alola and Lille Fro. There is great synergy and it is fun working with a cooperative and supportive group of Presidents.
From our August Board meeting:
Thanks to Meredith and Chris, our application for a $20,000 grant was submitted to TAC as the first step in setting up our breathometer project. Fingers crossed we are successful.
After lengthy discussion, we agreed to not donate monies to the Salvation Army Weekly Lunches program, preferring instead to concentrate on supporting the community with our hands-on club projects.
Club Director Gerry (aka Elvis 2) reported our meeting attendance is steady with a number of members currently recording 100% attendance.
All Directors are proceeding well with their project planning and Ian Stoney reports that our Club Vision Facilitation is scheduled for October 13th. We need at least 20 club members to participate so please pencil in the date now so you are available to join us. We will welcome your imput.
For those of you joining our Home Hosting this weekend, enjoy the fellowship and have fun, and would someone please take a photo or two for our bulletin.
Yours in Rotary,
Ngaire
Thought for the week:
“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the
smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest