As if inducting Stephen Bowtell was not enough. He then steps in at a moment’s notice and delivers us a terrific Member Behind the Badge talk – or maybe “performance” would be a more apt description. Hearing our own “Guitar God” show us his rock guitar skills was electrifying – sorry. I think with new members like Stephen we can see what Rotary could become. May the Vibe continue.
Lots of announcements with the main one being about our meeting at Athelstan this next week, 10th Feb. It will be very interesting to see how the retirement village concept is faring. Meal is only $20 so that is a good deal for us. Same time as usual. Thanks to PE Lawrence for his organization.
Two weeks later we meet at the Shrine of Remembrance at 1130am followed by lunch across the road. Thanks to Ken McNamara for arranging this.
Nine and Dine golf at at Kew Golf Club this Friday. We have about 12 people either playing or dining so it should be a fun event. We will be playing the new Kew course which has been remodelled over the past few years.
Anne Scott is selling Poppies in advance of Anzac day so please buy one from her and support the Girl Guides.
Finally, don’t forget to register for the Bike Count and earn us $50 for the coffers.
Remember next meeting on February 10 will be at a different spot and there are committed numbers (tell Lawrence Reddaway before). Don't come to Kooyong!! There will be no spot for those who just turn up without alerting Lawrence.
The Rotary Club of Hawthorn will meet at the Athelstan Restaurant, being associated with the retirement complex.
SO Tuesday 10th February 2015
The Athelstan Restaurant (Retirement Complex)
450 Camberwell Road, Camberwell
12.30pm for 1pm start, 2pm finish
Cost: $20 ('casual lunch' including tea or coffee)
Our club has the "Member Behind the Badge" series where a new member when once settled in is invited to tell us a bit about him/her self as a way of getting to know each other.
Stephen Bowtell who has just been inducted (see the above left fresh photo of him receiving his pin) came to the rescue when a scheduled speaker had to cancel at the last moment. It was surely a record for him to address us literally following induction!
We always expect the usual "Behind the Badge" family/work history, and most times also our members surprise with some hidden background or skill thus providing a wonderful diversity within the club. Stephen was no exception, indeed his surprise was amazing.
Outlining early schooling at the Arts driven Eltham College, and a passion gained for music (guitar) as a young child he described how he has an intrinsic commitment and single-minded-ness to strive to master a task or do a job. So this quality saw him self master the blues guitar (over 10,000 hours development). Indeed he left school at 16 and toured Australia for many years performing blues guitar with the support of a small band. This manifest as lead in prelude roles to top headline acts, and his own regular shows at various venues all over Australia.
Contrasting the missed education with the life skills gained (eg management, problem solving) and above all the confidence and experience in doing, Stephen remarked that it provided a great base from which to start another business---alas the music industry pays poorly for all but those one in a million who crack it!
To dispel members doubts about his expertise we watched the following clip.
Now Stephen has established a significant computer business, repairing and selling lap top computers. Starting solo from a few a week he has progressed to sales of over 1000 per month including exports and now manages 14 sales staff. We wish him well in this, but welcome him to the club and look forward to his involvement in Rotary.
Thanks for a great address especially more so because of the last minute standin.
The meeting on February 24 will be an external excursion with a free tour of the Melbourne Shrine.
Sight seeing is from 12.15 to 2.30, but there will be an opportunity for a casual self funded lunch afterwards at a nearby convenient spot--Arkibar at 27 Coventry St, South Melb. So, again no meeting at Kooyong on 24 Feb!
We will meet at the reception off Birdwood Avenue Melways 43 K12.
Ken McNamara is coordinating and confirming numbers etc for the tour and lucng booking so please let him know of your intention re this tour before the day.
As part of our ongoing connection with Auburn High (recall we conduct the Tasmanian Exchange with four of their students each year) there is an opportunity to for us to participate in an initiative whereby year 9 and 10 students can gain experience in going for employment interviews.
Last year a couple of us (Geoff Wright , David Owen) discussed our clubs involvement for a day or so at the school conducting mock interviews as a prospective employers.
Taken on notice and indeed pursued internally by Auburn's new HR specialist Jannelle Hingman such a concept is alive for 2015. Jannelle approached us last week re our ability and desire to help with interviewers on Thursday March 19. Seeking to help if we can and enhance our relationship with Auburn High School we indicated that we are interested and so the task is for us to see if we have about a dozen members who can take on a role for the part of the day. Each time would probably require two interviewers, one the acting as the HR watchdog the other acting as the relevant operations manager.
I, Geoff and David will be approaching members to test their capacity to"Volunteer". Let me know if you can help. I believe a "working with children certificate or like" would be required at least by one of the two.
Bicycle Network is conducting Super Tuesday, Australia's biggest annual bike count, on Tuesday 3 March 2015 from 7am to 9am. It's an easy job just count bicycles as they pass you, and I am sure the odd omission or double count will be tolerated.
Still time to register to help with the count.
Volunteers' benefit: Each person who successfully completes the count can nominate their local Bicycle User Group, school, or not-for-profit organisation to receive a $50 donation as a reward for their work.
Let me know if you wish to help and get the $50! I can guide you through the online registration process.
Yet still a reminder for the big event on 5 March between 7 and 9 am at The Palladium, Crown, South Bank. It is International Women's Day and this breakfast is designed to coincide with that.
There will a debate between high profile panelists who will discuss "Gender Equality" under the chairmanship of Geraldine Doogue well known TV/Radio presenter. With a mixed (gender sense) set of panelists and of course the audience (yes.. males attend) it promises to be a very entertaining and thought provoking session.
Katrina Flinn is organising a table (gals and guys) and invites those in our club to join her there. Last year more than 1,200 people attended and over $50,000 raised in the event. Let her know if you wish to join in.
{This is major project of Albert Park RC Kerry Kornhauser Kerry@rotarywomen.org.au " 0411 597 690}
The meeting on February 24 will be an external excursion with a free tour of the Melbourne Shrine. 
