Last week's meeting was officially Ian's last but with change over a week later this year he will act as President this coming week and we look forward to Changeover on 8 July. Sorry Sparkle is so long - there has been a lot happening - happy reading :)
Notes from the meeting:
- Rotary Directories are now available, see Pres. Ian Ash to get your copy.
- Look out for the upcoming Rotary Down Under - there should be a 2-page spread about the Kids Fun Run With Thomas.
- Belgrave 65th celebrations - Pres Ian Ash PP PHF Kristine Ash PP PHF Russell Marnock and wife Marjolein attended the celebrations on Friday 21 June - it was a lovely night of reflection and celebration for the club.
- Pres. Ian Ash PP PHF Kristine Ash, PP PHF Emma Clark, PHF Marcus Adams, Pres Elect Vicki Van Den Bergen and Henk, PP PHF Russell Marnock and Marjolein, PP PHF Gloria Hargreaves and Ev attended District Changeover on Saturday 22 June. Where we received a District Recognition Award and Gloria received a PHF Sapphire for her tireless work for RAMS and RAWCS.
- Any ideas for program next year? Speak to Ian Ash who is coordinating this for the club.
- PP PHF Lorna Shaw needs someone in the club to coordinate the Great Community Raffle tickets for members, this is a way of raising funds for ourselves - so come on everyone!!! PP PHF Kristine Ash and PP Ian Ash offered to coordinate in the absence of any hands going up but perhaps someone could offer to help out?
- Peter Hadwen thanked the club for their donation of $530 to Disaster Aid. He is needing to recruit DART (Disaster Aid Rescue Teams) to support the program. Members of DART need to have SES, paramedic knowledge etc.
A happy President, proud to receive the District Recognition on behalf of the club.
Gloria receiving her Sapphire PHF from DG Russell Guerney at District Changeover
Rotary Club of Belgrave President, Kathie Thomas receives a congratulatory letter signed by RI President from District Gov. Russell Guerney.
Gembrook Pre-school cheque presentation
Club members were delighted to attend Gembrook PreSchool to hand over a cheque for $2,500 for their kitchen upgrade. They grow their own vegetables and want to also include a low level prep area so the children can cook the produce - what an awesome idea!!
Russell Nielsen presented a lovely plaque to go on the wall.
Toast to the elderly
Peter Hadwen provided a toast to Jean Handasyte.
Jean is almost 90 years old and has been a resident of the Glades for about two years.
She lived with her family for many years in Glen Waverley where they ran a large orchard. When this became too big for them they built a house on Old Gembrook Road, and left the business to be run by their girls. Her husband was a commissioned officer, a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force, and he spent the greater part of his time in England attached to the RAF, where Jean joined him from time to time.
They had four girls, all of whom a good friend of hers describes as “The suffragette type”, and one of them still runs a smaller version of their original orchard.
Jean was a keen member of St Mark’s Church, a very hard worker, and whenever the annual fete came round, she loved to make a very popular three fruit marmalaid. My wife was the main instigator of jam making and it was my job to deliver fruits and jars to Jean, and collect them. She eventually downsized as her garden was quite huge, and lived in Chesnut Gardens until she found she was unsure on her feet.
Jean loved to chat with me whenever I delivered, especially about the exploits of her husband, who must have died more than 25 years ago as I was never able to meet him. One stimulus to those chats was that I had served in the RAF as well.
Highlights of the year from Committee Chairs and Program Chairs
Thank you to all the chairs who provided feedback on the year.
Susi Wilson highlighted the KFRWT bag packing and how it was like a military operation, the Speech Competition and how great it was to see the kids performing so well and finally the Road Safety program we supported.
Kristin Ash mentioned the visit to the Monash Children's Hospital and how that grounded us about the real reason we were raising funds for them. Cocktails on the Catwalk was a success on many levels, the teamwork by the committee, the fun committee meetings, the unexpected arrival of 50 other guests on the night and Justin and Henk's performances - as well as raising $3k. She also mentioned how fantastic is was to see the Debs and their partners faces as the twirled the night away on the dance floor.
John Henderson also gave mention to the visit to the Cancer Centre at the Monash Children's Hospital, how much he enjoyed the visits to the local schools with Shalini, Kelly and Arty. He also mentioned how amazing all the club members are on the day, they each undertake their tasks so efficiently - a well oiled machine!!
Sangeeta Bajaj mentioned the Pride of Workmanship evening and how much she enjoyed bringing the wonderful evening together with the help of Aneesh and her committee. John Koenders was an amazing MC on the night and all the businesses represented had a good night.
Shalini who has organised the Deb Ball this year thanked her committee for being there to support the process. Running the event has given her the opportunity to do something new, step out of her comfort zone but knowing she had the support of the club around her. She also enjoyed the school assemblies with John and the Driving Day.
