October is Rotary's Economic and Community Development Month
The Beekeeping Team in Action
A few years ago, the Club put one native beehive into Kemblawarra Public School, one into Warrawong Public School, one into Lake Heights Public School, one into Green Connect Farm and two into Greenhouse Park. Sadly, for various reasons, the bees didn't survive in some areas. However, the one at Green Connect thrived. Last Sunday Ray Lee, Janet Crakanthorp and Rose attended a demonstration on how to split the hive. The 2 are now together in the same location at the farm as pictured.
Ray, with his grand-daughter Nia, hope to successfully split hives in the coming months with a view to replacing some of those lost.
President's Message
It would seem that pre-meeting drinks are a good way of getting members to meetings :-). Seriously, it was great to see so many members at last week's meeting. We were having such a good time in the courtyard, we almost forgot about the meeting! Thank you to Ray Lee for stepping in at the last moment as Sergeant. He did a fine job.
Thank you to all those who volunteered their time for the BBQ on Monday 20 October. We had a full roster once again.
A few reminders of upcoming events.
The End Polio train Ride is on Thursday 23 October leaving Wollongong train station at 9:59AM and returning at 2:35PM. More details are provided in the club events calendar.
Our social night on 29 October will be a Pizza Night in the courtyard at Centro CBD. Cost is $30.00 per head for 'all you can eat' pizza. This is a member night, so please bring along your better half. Please let Rose know if you are able to attend if you haven't already.
Our Pride of Workmanship Dinner is on Wednesday, 5 November also at Centro CB. Cost is $50.00 per head for dinner & dessert plus a wine raffle ticket. Please let John Erickson know if you are able to attend if you haven't already.
This week's guest speaker is Tina Howard from Our Community Project who will be updating us on the Social Circus Program we have sponsored and other projects that may be in need of funding. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Last Week’s Meeting Minutes:Scribe – John Erickson
Following a fellowship get together with drinks in the Centro’s courtyard, Acting Sergeant Ray called the meeting to order at 6.15pm.
Rita introduced this week's international toast by praising the life of the Nobel Prize for Peace winner Lela Corina Machado from Venezuela and highlighted the difficulties facing the Venezuelan people with the economic crisis affecting many, including people associated with Rotary.
John’s reflection spoke of the mixed attitudes from the locals to this year's Triathlon World Championships being held over the next 4 days at various locations in Wollongong.
Sergeant Ray acknowledged the birthdays for Jim, Kerry and Dennis.
Patrick announced the completion of the successful judging of the NSW town awards for this year. From 50 applicants, the committee nominated their top 10, from which the independent panel selected 5; and 4 went on to win their respective categories. Patrick thanked his panel for their ongoing support and suggested they may be available for next year's panel.
Dennis thanked the group of Rotarians who assisted with the busy and successful Charles Hotel raffles. The final Joker draw raised an incredible sum on the Thursday Night with an additional $350 being the Friday night's contribution. Pleasingly the winner was a local fellow who has supported the raffle over a long time.
Ken reminded members of RYDA day on October 17th seeking support with the day's events.
Patrick enquired if any members had visited Arthur Booth in Shellharbour. He was intending to visit soon.
Rose congratulated Patrick as the long-term supervisor and mentor of the NSW Town Awards.
Several members attended the education session on the splitting of the native bee hives held at Green Connect. This will prove handy in supplying our various recipients of hives (Schools) which have “died” - from our existing “live” hives.
The attendance lists for the Christmas party, Pizza night at Centro and the Pride of Workmanship Awards night were circulated for members' completion.
Phil reminded members of the End Polio train trip raising funds for their cause. Nominations for the position of our District Governor were called. Bob Armessen looked very excited by the prospect.
Our charity account is being well funded, having almost achieved the yearly target already. This is no reason to be complacent!
Our wine raffle winners wereKen Potter and Michael Crowley, pictured below. Designated joke-teller Patrick, with his co-conspirators, entertained the meeting.
The generous support of The Charles Hotel and it's Amazing Patrons enable us to fund-raise, via our Thursday Night Jag the Joker and Friday Night Meat Raffles, in support of various local, national and international charitable organisations much in need of funding for their various community programs.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation
Monetary Grants from the IMB Bank Community Foundation allow us to conduct the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program throughout the year at Kembla Grange Racecourse.
Aimed at students in years 10-12, students attend 6 sessions focusing on the various areas of Road Safety.
The IMB Bank Community Foundation helps build better, brighter communities.
Bunnings Warehouse - Kembla Grange
The generous support of the Bunnings Warehouse - Kembla Grange BBQ Program allows us to fund-raise in support of various local, national and international charitable organisations much in need of funding for their various community programs.
In addition, Bunnings donate equipment and vouchers in support of our other fund-raising initiatives.
