Weekly Message From President Ngaire
No meeting last week – just a party. And how we rocked – both with and without Elvis. It was such a fun night shared with 70 like-minded friends and a great celebration of our many achievements over the last six months. The photos are out there for all to see!!
We took time out from dancing for a few formalities. Ken Scott appreciated the bottle of wine for his work as our auditor and I was personally very happy to hand on to Anne Scott the plaque and pin received from WAGGGS Asia Pacific in recognition of our Corporate donation to their Leadership program. PE Gordon Cheyne also did an ‘off-the-cuff’ presentation of his Board for 2013-14.
It was a real honour to recognise Margaret Walshe as our newest Paul Harris. Margaret was invaluable in the years leading up to Bernie’s year as District Governor and, in his DG year, 2006-07. She did not miss a single Rotary meeting or social function and endeared herself to many Club Presidents and their spouses. The District Conference in Canberra was enhanced by her advice, in committee and behind the scenes. For the last 20 years Margaret has epitomised the values embraced by Rotary as she continues to accompany Bernie to the many conferences and functions he attends as a committed Rotarian. With her quiet presence and unfailing good humour she has been an outstanding and much appreciated ambassador for the Rotary Club of Hawthorn. Congratulations Margaret.
This week we really enjoyed hearing from Susie White, CEO of Boroondara Foundation who gave us a heart-warming presentation, highlighting three of the many projects they have implemented with an initial investment of $500. Boroondara Foundation is a hands-on organisation working at the grassroots in our city and they do truly wonderful work for the needy in our community. We are very blessed to have the opportunity of supporting them this Sunday by putting on our RCH annual Christmas party for 250 socially isolated residents of Boroondara.
We paused on Tuesday to reflect on the life of Tony Charlton, our Honorary member who passed away on Monday. Tony will be remembered as a warm and selfless man of enormous talent, quiet wisdom and a generosity of spirit. He was a fine Rotarian and a true Australian. Our sincerest sympathy go to Loris and the family. Vale Tony, you will be sadly missed.
The tennis roster for the AAMI car parking is almost filled and will be emailed to you all early in the new year. If you see an orange space with a number it means we are short in that roster time. A big thank you to Ken McNamara who coordinated everything, our Team Captains, Gerald Swinnerton, Ian Hamilton, Doug Kirkman and Ian Macfarlane for stepping forward to coordinate, and to everyone who has volunteered. Now fingers crossed we get fine weather – not too hot, not too wet!!
Well done to Phil Stewart, David Rosback and their team for the great work with our Hams and Wine fundraising project, by all accounts achieving record sales. By the time you read this bulletin the hams and other goodies will be delivered and we will be looking forward to a few weeks of family time.
Please spare a thought and/or make a phone call to our Rotarians still in hospital or on the sick list – Ian Stoney, Jack Ings, who celebrates his birthday on December 29, Joe Devereux, Neil Roberts and Bruce Smith.
We start Rotary 2013 on January 15 with a family BBQ at the Rocket Park, ie. Central Gardens in Hawthorn. Start time from 6pm, BYO everything. Children, grandchildren, most welcome.
Enjoy the next few weeks of summer relaxation…
Yours in Rotary,
Ngaire
My Christmas wish for you:
Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things work. Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all three this Christmas. And may your Christmas sparkle with moments of love, laughter and goodwill, and may the year ahead be full of contentment and joy.