Presidents Thoughts of the Third Meeting of 2012-13

•  Introduced:   Jenifer Elliott.   Norman Hall later chaired her address (see below) on baby boomers and diets.
•  Acknowledged visiting Rotarians  …
•  Welcomed member’s guests …an old friend  Elizabeth Foxworth
•  Invited  Dr John  to report on the Sick List, and details on past member Lou Jenkins ill spouse Norma
•  Reminded all of the Presidents Welcome Party on 29 July (Simon O'Donoghue elaborated on arrangements)
•  And described her observations on the Tony Charlton ‘Open Mike’ interview with Mike Sheehan the previous evening. 
  ("As you  would expect Tony was the consummate professional, charming, knowledgeable and as articulate as ever.  Excellent interview")  
     

Ngaire reported on activty of the recent Board meeting, thanking Gerry Cantwell  for use of the Little Residential Board Room.  Pleased to report Budgets approved.    All Directors presented their programs for the year and will be reported at next week's Club Forum.

"Our very efficient treasurer has sent you your invoice for membership.  You will have noticed that our yearly subscription has been reduced. It is our intention to make all events cost neutral so there is no drain on our Club Admin account.  Last year we paid Kooyong for more lunches than were eaten. Once we have advised the anticipated number for lunch, on Friday, we get charged for that number, which means if you are a no show we still pay for you.  Obviously that is not cost neutral. We would be most reluctant to charge you in the event of your no-show without an apology. We do need your cooperation in tending your apologies to Gerry in time.

Several weeks ago Josh Frydenberg drew our attention to the availability of funds under Government Volunteer Grants Scheme and specifically mentioned the WWC and Police checks that are now required if you work with children or the elderly. David Rush delivered our application to Josh yesterday for his  personal endorsement and we are quietly confident we will be successful. Special thanks to David and Robert Ball for  handling the application.

Most significant decision that we should proceed with a Club Vision Facilitation Program, a District initiative that will help us set our long term goals for the club.  There are 2 months of preparation time, paperwork has started circulating.  There are questionnaires and club profiles  to complete and considerable  logistical organisation to make this happen.  Anticipated date late September/early October.  We will keep you posted as that proceeds.

4 RCH attended the RAWCS seminar on Sunday at International House.  We had a Lille Fro display and attracted good interest.
  
A couple of dates for your social calendars:

•   Home Hosting on August 25th
•   Camcare Concert Sunday October 28th venue to be announced 
•   Christmas Dinner and Auction on Thursday December 13th – Kooyong  "  

Ngaire concluded with a thought for the week attributed to  Richard Bach namely:- There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands.  You seek problems because you need their gifts.