Rod McDougall
President 2006-7
Rotary Club of Strathfield
The President's View
Wednesday 16 May 2007
"Even better than the first one" was the comment that I received most about last week's information night. Congratulations to Ray Wilson, Niall King, Harley Tarrant, Peter Harries, Kevin Beltrame Paul White and Steve Taylor for an excellent program.
I received several written expressions of thanks from guests, all were very complimentary. Spreading the news about Rotary is important and the night was a great example of how it can be done. Special thanks to all those who nominated guests.
It was a pleasure to induct Suzanne Freund and to be part of continuing her long association with Rotary. I wish her well at Strathfield where I know she will be a strong contributor and an asset to the club. With Umesh and Anu Kamkolkar, Kevin and Suzanne make the second couple in our club where both partners are members.
Despite a last minute rush to complete the arrangements the trivia night fundraiser was a success. Approximately 120 people experienced a very enjoyable night with MC Peter Foss at his best. Over 20 Rotarians and partners were directly involved in staging the event – many making themselves available at short notice. My thanks to them and to those who donated prizes for the lucky dip.
A cheque for $3,600 will be presented to Chalmers Road School in the near future and will cover costs of running their new school bus during its first year of operation.
The club was well represented at the Katoomba/Lithgow seventieth anniversary masked ball with the Brian and Janet Johnson, Eric and Pauline Khu, Grahame and Penny True and Maree and I making the trip. Past Strathfield President Kevin Lawrenson and current president of Katoomba Rotary hosted a fabulous evening at the wonderful Carrington Hotel in Katoomba.
Next week's Youth Achievement Awards presentation night is a significant event on our calendar and provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of local young people. Bradley Ayres and his team now have arrangements virtually complete and a great night is assured. A reminder that the evening will be a partners night.
This evening we welcome Sister Judith Lawson, the principal of Santa Sabina College as our special guest.
Enjoy Rotary … by getting involved!
President Rod