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President's Message

Dear Club Members and Friends,
 
Last week we had a Club Assembly.  We didn’t quite get everything done but a couple of ideas that came out of the survey were discussed and we agreed on some action.  From February until end of April we will trial starting our meetings at 7:15am and finishing at 8:15am.  This will give members who need to get to work the opportunity to leave a little earlier and others may be able to have a chat for a little while after the meeting.  We will advertise that our meetings are 7:00am for a 7:15am start. 
We also talked about how many meetings a month we have and agreed to keep the current first, second and third Fridays as ordinary meetings with the fourth Friday as a Board meeting and a social event in the evening.  As well we discussed the types of meetings we have and agreed that there are occasions when we have a major project being organised when we can use our ordinary meeting as a planning exercise for the project or as practical preparation. 
 
We did not discuss the need for a leader for the IT country kids project or one for the fun run.  Nor did we consider which Board positions need to be filled at the AGM on 8 December.  Please think carefully about what role you would like to take.  Brian Powell will take on the role of President from 1 January 2018 till 30 June 2018 but we need a commitment before the end of the year for a President for 2018/19.
 
Pat outlined the work involved in the Tree of Joy.  I think unless you have been involved you would not be aware of how much Pat and Annette do in liaising with the charities and Cox’s Rd Mall, setting up the trees, creating the gift cards and putting them on the tree, picking up gifts in the morning and evening and re stocking the tree with gift cards and then sorting the gifts into the bags to give out at Cox’s Rd on Saturday 16 December. They also arrange to deliver gifts beforehand.  If you can help collect the gifts or sort them out please have a chat with Pat or Annette.  I’m sure they’d be delighted with the help.  Pat and Annette have ben doing this for many years and I know we all appreciate the work they do.
 
We will of course need members to assist with the BBQ at Cox’s Rd Mall on Saturday 16 December and again at the carols on 17 December.  This Friday I’ll pass around a list of jobs for both the BBQ and the carols.  Please fill in what you can do.  Perhaps you have friends who would like to assist.  I had a call from a volunteer who is on the Timebanking system.  So we have one extra for the carols’ BBQ and of course someone who may like to do further work with us. 
 
I had a reminder this week about Foundation Centurion membership.  I can get extra plastic columns from the District so will get some and perhaps we can all think about putting our spare $2.00 in and becoming Centurions when we hit the $100.00.
 
Liane is still helping with Sonia the latest ROMAC patient.  She will fill us in when next she can make it to a meeting. 
 
As I said we have had a volunteer through the Timebanking system so please go to https://timebanking.com.au/home/Ryde to join up.  For more information on Timebanking or any questions you may have, please contact Kate on 9888 3380.
 
Next year’s District Conference is on Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 March 2018 in Leura.  For details go to – www.conference2018.rotarydistrict9685.org.au.  Full registration $280.  Accommodation extra.  Early bird registration closes end of November.  Join Ian and me for a great weekend.
 
Here are a few events from other Rotary Clubs you may be interested in.
Chatswood Sunrise has a trivia night this Saturday 18 November.  $25.00 a head, tables of 8.  Book with ahariman@tpg.com.au.
Foundation Dinner on 20 November at Blacktown Workers Club.  $75.00 per head.  Book at https://www.trybookings.com/312529.  November is Foundation month and so this is great opportunity to learn more about our Rotary charity.  Remember this is the charity that raises the money for Polio Plus and other very significant projects.
 
We have had 1 December set aside for our end of year party for quite a while.  David has booked Fourno’s at 6:30 pm.  This will be the North Ryde World Peace and Harmony Christmas Party.  Wear an item of clothing, hat or flag that identifies your country of origin, your adopted country, country of residence or any country you like.  Invite friends and let’s have some fun.  Even dual citizens can attend.  Fourno’s is a pizza, pasta restaurant and reasonably priced.  56 Delhi Road North Ryde.  David has sent out more details.  I do hope you can all attend.  Partners, children, friends, rellies – all are welcome.
 
On 8 December not only will we have our AGM but Ana will also give us her presentation about her year in Australia.  We are also trying to arrange to meet her parents.  They will be in Sydney for Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January.  I’ll let you know what we can organise.
 
A busy few weeks ahead.  Here is a summary: Board meeting 24 November, Party 1 December, AGM 8 December, BBQ at Cox’s Rd and the distribution of the Tree of Joy gifts on 16 December and finally the Carols on 17 December.  Then a few week’s off before our new year breakfast at Caffe Incontro at Cox’s Mall on 19 January 2018.
 
Today Helen Rainger, CEO Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network, shares with us her recent trips to Palestine and Israel.  It will be an interesting but also enlightening and possibly challenging presentation.
Victoria
 
 
Kind regards
Victoria Crawford
President 2017-18
 
 
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
Board Meeting
Nov 24, 2017
7:15 AM – 8:45 AM
 
Club Christmas Party
Dec 01, 2017
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
 
Member Birthdays
Member Birthdays
Juliet Chen
November 3
 
Nova Van
November 6
 
Sandeep Rathi
November 11
 
 
   When will people understand two hour meetings can be as productive as a well written email?

Our website home page features our current Club Executive and Projects. Please deposit funds to: Rotary Club of North Ryde Inc, Bendigo Bank, North Ryde BSB: 633108 Acct: 126363670.