Hi everyone

 

What a wonderful event Saturday’s Changeover was and what a great way to celebrate PP Vicki’s year. The venue had spectacular views and gardens. I noted that a few of you braved the cold weather to wander outside. Thank you to everyone who attended and for all your best wishes for my coming year. Special thanks have to go to MC John Henderson, Russ Nielsen for stepping in at the last minute to make the international toast in place of Ian Ash, who was unwell. to Kris Ash for the excellent video of Vicki’s year and introduction into mine and the Spangles for their outgoing and incoming President’s musical performance.

 

We were fortunate to have DG Daryl Moran and Jenny attend - he only attended his own Changeover event the previous evening. Other special guests were Honorary member Dennis Jones and his wife Karen and Sue Gregory. Vicki presented 4 Awards – Full attendance certificate was presented to John Ritchie and Paul Harris Fellowships were presented to Don Borg, Russell Marnock and Catherine Elfick – all well deserved.  As was the Horse’s Arse Award, which this year went to Sangeeta Bajaj.  Gayle Barrot and David Gale ran an hilarious session – thank you.

 

As was mentioned at Changeover a few members attended the District Changeover at the Southern Golf Course on Friday, where the DG role was passed from Alma Reynolds to Daryl Moran. The highlights for Emerald Rotary were being presented with a n award for “Club Projects, PR & Communications”. DG Elect Ken Miller was awarded a sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship.

 

Last Tuesday’s Irish Christmas in July was a huge success too and a nice way to end Vicki’s time in the President’s role.  Kris and Ian Ash said a few words in the form of a limerick and The Spangles provided us with their tailored version of the Sound of Music’s “So long, Farewell “for Vicki and the Board.  Their second performance was a very interesting interpretation of 12 Days of Christmas – the challenge was trying to remember what each member selected as their day when running back through the days each time. A big thank you The Spangles.

 

As a Club we are continuing to support the Hills Storm Disaster. Last Saturday’s T2T Market raised $604.35, which considering the icy conditions was amazing. Emma is working with “Help the Hills”, St Michaels Relief Centre and Kerry McGregor to provide appropriate assistance as required.  The needs are changing daily. Members have already volunteered and been out on sites to assist clear ups and I went across to the Relief Centre at Kalorama on Wednesday and other members are working shifts later in the week.  At the Relief Centre you can get food, clothing, household items, wood, fuel, warmth and someone to talk to.  The destruction in the Dandenong’s area is unbelievable and areas that you never saw before are in few views due to the vast amount of fallen trees.  I passed many crews working with cranes and heavy-duty equipment and this will surely continue for months not weeks.

 

This week we received the sad news that Honorary member Terence Thomas passed away on Saturday 3^rd July.  Terence had been a member of the Club since 30^th November 2004 and was one of the founding members of the Deb Ball and All-American events. His funeral is on Tuesday 13^th July in Bairnsdale.

 

Publicity wise, it would appear that through the hard work that Ros Weadman has put into articles that she is now being approached for follow up articles by Star News and a time slot on Radio 3MDR. Together with the regular web updates that Kris Ash has been doing we are starting to be recognised. Added to this, myself, John Henderson and Chris Adams are now the stars of the “Big” screen appearing in an Emerald Community ad produced by The Emerald Business Group at The Cameo. 

 

Next Tuesday will be my first official meeting, where I will share my goals for the year.

 

Yours in Rotary

Shalini Penny, President