Posted by Karin Soster on Jun 14, 2023
Marg Lucas was our chairperson at today’s club meeting at Cilantro, and marks the last club meeting for the Rotary year.  Grant performed Invocation and Faye conducted the loyal toast.  Sue and Charles joined the meeting via Zoom.  Guests included Trinh, Serge, Barry Oliver, Sharon Haig – Director of Nursing at Sandringham Hospital, Malcolm Chiverton – District 9810
Membership Chair, and partners Ken Oakes, Marilyn Brownlees and Warren Stahel. 
 
President Glenda and Linda O’Brien, Community Chair, had the very pleasant duty of presenting Sharon Haig – Director of Nursing at Sandringham Hospital,  with a club donation cheque for $6,340 for purchase of a Dialysis Chair for the hospital.  The donation was very much appreciated – Sharon provided a brief outline of the benefits of the chair and what it brings and means to the hospital and the community.
 
GUEST SPEAKER – Malcolm Chiverton – District 9810 Membership Chair
Today’s topic was Membership Matters .   The success of Rotary in the future relies on sustained membership growth.  RI’s goal is to increase membership throughs club developing a membership strategy, active recruitment and seeking new opportunities to broaden the reach of Rotary. A membership strategy could include setting goals, a team effort, broaden member types and use district resources available to clubs. Recruitment involves being proactive, having dynamic meetings, advertising, engaging members and promoting service opportunities.  Clubs are encouraged to consider varied member classifications, reach out to community organisations, corporate members and the family of Rotary.   An induction process for new members is strongly encouraged and  should make new members feel very welcome – Malcolm outlined strategies that could be included in an induction process.   Member retention is of equal importance and it is recommended that clubs seek to check why members leave as a way of overcoming any perceived shortcomings within the club.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS – President Glenda
  • Club Meetings – there are no further club meetings for this Rotary year, with the next club meeting scheduled for Wednesday 5 July.
  • Board Meeting – the next club board meeting is scheduled for Monday 19 June.
Social Events – Sam
  • Sam thanked members wo attended Faye and Ken’s home on Saturday night – adding it was a very good night enjoyed by all
  • The next club social event will be dinner at Cheltenham RSL on 27 July
  • Mahjong will be held tomorrow Thursday 15/6, with the next Mahjong night to be held Thursday 3/8
Impact For Women – Sam
  • Sam has been assisting the Impact group operated by Kathy Kaplan for the past few years with packing items for women and families escaping from domestic violence.  Another packing day is scheduled soon and the group is seeking donated items that are suitable for packing.  The group requires NEW items such as: Toiletries including Hair Care, Soap, Hair  brushes, Makeup, Moisturisers and skin care, Sanitary Items.  Nappies and other baby items.  Tissues, wipes and hand sanitiser.
Club Changeover – Saturday 24 June
  • Members yet to pay to attend our club’s changeover will need to pay today. 
 
This meeting was Glenda’s last club meeting as President before Changeover.  Glenda reiterated the wide expanse of Rotary and what it achieves.