President's Inaugural
Tonight we heard about Rhonda who had never delivered a 'Behind the Badge' presentation to the club....a time to get to know more about her and what she stands for.....
and it was fascinating!
Rhonda was the 5th child of her family with caring parents who enjoyed longevity (Dad 104 and Mum 98).
She unfortunately lost a brother in an accident. Her childhood was in Griffiths where she was allowed to run free but learnt to listen to others, had a gentle but vigorous dad and a mum who was creative and loved gardening. Husband Roger has always been of great support.
Dame Marie Clay the renowned NZ researcher, author and educator had a profound effect on her when she was studying there by espousing the need to identify the strengths in children......and this was reinforced when one of her young students said....show me how to do it rather than tell me what to do.
Rhonda took up swimming at a young age and was awarded a swimming scholarsip, training with such notables as Dawn Fraser. At the NSW State swimming championships she nailed the butterfly and was part of the winning relay team; and was School Captain at Griffith High. In year 12 she was awarded an AFS Scholarship to Pittsburgh USA. Teachers college followed with a placement at one of the toughest school in Sydney....she was amazed how the kids flourished with encouragement. Next stop was Aukland University where she did a MA in Literature, then Charles Sturt University for a Master of Education, followed by a PhD, and was a university literacy lecturer there.
Her forte was designing projects to help kids read, become literate and talk to learn, and as a literacy consultant. She and Roger lived on a farm with daughter Pippa. She threw herself into cellar door sales in Roger's fledgling Stanbridge Estate Wines, and, with a horticultural degree, became a landscaper
Superhuman talent
Her special loves (besides Roger) include travel, golf, ikebana, grandson Mylo, gardening, the Peace Poles and inspiring others. There is opportunity to make a decent profit from the Thrift Shop but also to use this as an avenue for helping those less fortunate. Dreamers can change the World as they have done throughout history. She desires to make her musical water garden a reality!
Rhonda was applauded for her presentation.
The editor was duly impressed that the interesting air around Griffiths at that time did not diminish Rhonda's determination to succeed and achieve.
Nitty Gritty
Rhonda reproduced the Board membership for those who were unable to be at last week's changeover. There was also a run through of the membership of each of the 4 committees. But some uncertainty prevailed about the full composition of each. Editor will endeavour to publish the list in next week's bulletin.
Stephen Baker is in charge of Club Services which means he will receive reports from managers of the Thrift Shop, Fund raising, Membership, Public image, Meeting program, Safety Officer, Youth Protection Officer, Catering, Training, Bulletin and Attendance and report to the Board on their behalf.
In 2 weeks time we will be returning to Living Choice where Nature's Providor is now the restaurant operator. The cost of meals will be higher at $30 (previously $26) and a room hire fee of $3 (previously $2). The initial menu is looking good. He emphasised 3 things:
- the need to ensure we book for the right number (unlike tonight)
- be empathetic with the new providor and assist as much as possible
- those not eating for dietary or other reasons will be charged the $3 - a scheme to be sorted out
It will be exciting to get back to a great venue like Living Choice but we should not forget to thank La Scala for their excellent service under sometimes testing conditions.
The Prez outlined those responsible for areas covered by Club Services
Program - Patsy and Valerie
Meeting attendance (Important to respond to each invitation) - Simon
Kate - Membership
Caring officers (formerly almoner) - Patsy and Robyn
Club history - Bob Mills needs a volunteer
Bunnings and Variety Club BBQs - we need a volunteer
Mitre 10 BBQ - Patsy and Simon
Car trial.....the 10th and last - Sunday 25 October Bakers happy to provide winning tuition for a fee.
Public Image - John Peacham
Facebook - Patty and Alice Edge
Budget - Virginia
Walk Against Domestic Violence - Deb
Walk for Mental Health - Christina
ROMAC - Brendan and Bronwyn ...... Brendan informed that they had hosted 4 oceanic kids (3 from the Solomons) over the last 12 months
RYLA treasurer - Ross Burton
Unley Council liaison - Rhonda, Ross Smith, Rob, Graham and Stephen
The Strategic Plan emphasises the need to keep all members engaged and active, to make the new regionalisation plan work and to build leadership capacity in the club.
Patsy outlined the general thrust of how the program is to be managed. Guest speakers will present fortnightly, and the alternate meetings will comprise visits, committee meetings and strategic matters. Meeting chairs will be utilised. Next week we have a guest speaker from the Red Cross.
Pune: Rotary International has announced the launch of the Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University, Pune. This is Rotary’s latest global peace initiative and the first of its kind in India.
1. Law of Mechanical Repair 
