Grant was our chairperson for today’s club meeting at Cilantro. Geoff conducted invocation and Jo conducted the loyal toast. Julie, Glenda, Charles and Karin joined the meeting via Zoom.
Roy Kaplan, our own club member, was our guest speaker for today’s meeting, and was joined by his wife, Hilary, and Michelle.
President Report – President Margaret
DG Meeting - Margaret attended this year’s first District DG meeting last Friday - the main priority for Rotary and the district this year is membership.
Grow Rotary Seminar – Larry will attend the District 9810 online seminar called Grow Rotary on 12 August.
Ukraine – The Rotary International Committee advise funds raised for Ukraine is more than enough. Their main project is rehoming Ukrainian refugees however Margaret feels this may be beyond our club’s ability to participate.
Connections - The District Technology Committee has commenced a new district online platform called Connections for Rotarians to advertise their business free of charge. For further details email gusrozycki@9810rotary.com.au
Club Suggestions – Pres Margaret welcomes club members to offer suggestions for projects and improvements for current processes. She made reference of this in her front page report for today’s club bulletin.
Grow Rotary Seminar – Larry will attend the District 9810 online seminar called Grow Rotary on 12 August.
Ukraine – The Rotary International Committee advise funds raised for Ukraine is more than enough. Their main project is rehoming Ukrainian refugees however Margaret feels this may be beyond our club’s ability to participate.
Connections - The District Technology Committee has commenced a new district online platform called Connections for Rotarians to advertise their business free of charge. For further details email gusrozycki@9810rotary.com.au
Club Suggestions – Pres Margaret welcomes club members to offer suggestions for projects and improvements for current processes. She made reference of this in her front page report for today’s club bulletin.
Club Announcements
District Conference – D.G.E. Ian
Ian reminded everyone of next year’s conference in Canberra 3-5 March 2023. Ian has provided a link in the club bulletin for registration, and reminded everyone to please let President Margaret and Linda know if planning to attend.
Fellowship – Jo
Arcobar – our club’s next social event will be held on Monday 19 September 6:30pm at Arcobar off Warrigal Road, Heatherton. Ian has provided a link in this week’s club bulletin for members to register.
Curry and Casserole night – Plans are being made to hold a curry and casserole social event at Kings Park Tennis Club off East Boundary Road, East Bentleigh. Considerations are for a Sunday – the date and further details to follow.
Curry and Casserole night – Plans are being made to hold a curry and casserole social event at Kings Park Tennis Club off East Boundary Road, East Bentleigh. Considerations are for a Sunday – the date and further details to follow.
Guest Speaker – BMC Rotarian Roy Kaplan – Member behind the Badge
Roy was born in Johannesburg in South Africa to parents who were born in different countries in Eastern Europe. As a point of interest, his first visitor after he was born was a lady whose significance will be revealed later in this report. He grew up and enjoyed a happy childhood with three older siblings in a largely Jewish community in Germiston where his father started a business. At primary school, he enjoyed soccer and cricket and claims to have been well behaved. He attended high school in Johannesburg CBD that was attended by poor but good students. He enjoyed golf and played in many golf tournaments where he became quite good with a handicap of 3. At university he studied engineering and also got involved with student politics and whose activities, whilst unknown to him at the time, ended up putting him on the watch list where his mail was opened before he received it. Following university, and due to his involvement in student politics during his time at university, he needed police clearance to join the Army. He did post graduate studies in Electronic Engineering, and it was during this time he met his future wife, Hilary. As a stroke of fate, upon meeting Hilary’s parents for the first time, he found out Hilary’s mother was the first person to visit Roy after he was born. Following military service in the Army, Roy joined Eskom – a major electricity supplier in South Africa. Roy and Hilary married in 1995 – but South Africa was not a good place to live. After considering a number of other countries, he and Hilary moved to Australia in 1998, where Hilary’s parents and sister had already moved. The initial move was to McKinnon before moving to Brighton. Roy’s brother has also migrated to Australia and lives in Hampton. Having some family members also living in Australia has made the move to live in Australia much easier. Roy has had work in the Energy Industry, KPMG, and is now currently working in an Australian Energy Company. Hilary has worked in the pharmaceutical industry, the automated food industry, and now working on the tunnel project. Roy and Hilary have two children – Adam and Jessica. The children attended Valkstone Primary School, and then The King David School – a small school with an emphasis on academics - for their secondary level schooling. Both are now in university with Adam studying Mathematics and Jessica studying History. They are a close and happy family unit with shared interests. Adam showed an interest in Scouts, and with having ‘father Roy’ close by and in tow, Roy is also now in Scouts and moving through the ranks – initially as a Club Leader through to his current position as District Club Leader. The entire family is involved in Scouts, and Roy is happy to have added Rotary in his interests. Roy finished by saying he leads a very normal life, a happy family life and is proud to be involved in our club – helping the community and the Scouts. He answered a few questions from club members – adding he is a St Kilda Football Club supporter, he met Larry and Peter (Guttman) at his local synagogue, and whilst he and his family celebrate Jewish traditions, he is not very religious. It was a very enjoyable talk to hear – thank you Roy.
Birthdays and Rosters –
Happy Birthday to Linda who celebrates her birthday on 7/8
Rosters for the next market and club meeting were announced
Rosters for the next market and club meeting were announced
Sergeant Session – Sergeant John M
Carlton supporters were fined for losing their match last week, and Ian was fined for not knowing Melbourne had won. Absent Paul was fined and will find out why later. Neville was also fined and will know the reason why - these fines are starting to sound a little mysterious. Grant was fined for being the owner of the truck that parked next to John and needing a watch (not sure what this is about), John had pencilled in quite a few more but found the members were missing – so all the members missing from the club were fined - really - it doesn’t take much to be fined in our club – so have your gold coin ready to put into the Sergeant’s coffers when he comes around!
Meeting Close – President Margaret thanked Roy for his talk, and closed the meeting with this year’s theme “Imagine Rotary”.
