SPOKE 'n' WORDS

Issue  22
23rd November 2022
 
Join our meeting

Most Wednesdays at
The Beaconsfield Club,
Holm Park, Beaconsfield, 
Victoria, Australia

Enquire by Email:
Visitors and Rotarians are welcome.
 
Post: P.O. Box 30, Berwick 3806
Meetings & Events
David Dippie - DIK/ESRAG - Dental Clinics in Tonga
Deep Creek Golf Club
Nov 30, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
Christmas Party
Jason’s Restaurant
Dec 07, 2022
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
 
Kerrie Bolch Principal and Andrew Barker Assistant Principal - Berwick Secondary College
The Beaconsfield Club
Dec 14, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
No Meeting - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Dec 21, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
View entire list
Our Sponsors
 
 
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
 
As the charitable arm of Rotary International, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace.
 
Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. 

Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!

 

Executives & Directors
President
 
Treasurer
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Membership and Public Image
 
Youth Protection Officer
 
Youth
 
Projects and Fundraising
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Tim Moore
November 7
 
Russell Fellows
November 13
 
Rosemarie Hughes
November 18
 
Maureen Scott
November 30
 
Spouse Birthdays
Tim Moore
November 7
 
Judy Button
November 11
 
Helen Rosenthal
November 17
 
Join Date
Gary Castricum
November 1, 2017
5 years
 
Gerald Treasure
November 1, 1994
28 years
 
Laury Gordyn
November 3, 1994
28 years
 
Gus Dominguez
November 23, 2006
16 years
 

Leveraging expertise with AshokaRotary’s partnership with Ashoka brings together the vision of Ashoka’s social entrepreneurs with the local expertise of Rotary members to inspire innovation that can solve problems, create leaders, and

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic's initial U.S. wave in 2020, Detroit, Michigan, was one of many cities where first responders and medical personnel needed more personal protective equipment. A Rotary club in India learned about the situation and contacted its longtime partner, the Rotary Club of

 

For a long time, the incredible amount of knowledge within Rotary that could help clubs create more effective and sustainable projects was scattered and difficult to access. The creation of district resource networks has remedied that.People can think of the resource networks as "in-house

 

Rotary and Habitat for Humanity International attract the same kind of service-minded people, and the partnership between these organizations encompasses an array of areas where housing intersects with Rotary's main causes.This includes access to clean water and sanitation, community

 

Addressing conflict through a grassroots process that puts people at the center and involves the whole community is a way to create lasting change — and the approach that’s the basis of the partnership between Rotary and Mediators Beyond Borders International.MBBI collaborates with

 

Visitors to Melbourne, site of the Rotary International Convention, will encounter an abundance of culinary, cultural, sports, and shopping options.

 

A Rotary club in Uganda, whose members are all women, uses microloans to help invest in their community.

 

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the Dominican Republic, the United States, Romania, Germany, and Australia.

 
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Presidents Message
We were certainly treated to a night of travel to the snowfields of Canada and Europe by Wendy and Eric Boon this week. It wasn’t just because Bob kept the heating off ☹but the great photos and detailed presentation, with snow gear and typical snowfields food. 
 
The story how Eric and Wendy got involved at the Sydney World Rotary Convention in 2014 in the House of Friendship with the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians (ISFR) , leading to many travel skiing opportunities around the world and most importantly lots of new friends. Thank you, Vicki, for the authentic ski field foods and Bob for the Gluwine – maybe a bit too much Gluwine. 😊
 
A fun night was had by all.
 
Following on from the club AGMs last week, the club, via the Rotary Benevolent Society, has donated to the Casey North Information Services $5000, this is made up of a $2000 from the Magistrates Court, plus $3000 of the Club’s last end of years distribution.   $2000 was provided to Windermere’s Merry Mission Appeal for teenagers in our region.   Thanks to Jenny, Wendy Langdon, and Caitlin for purchasing the vouchers and making up the gift packs for this pre-Christmas project.   
The Club should feel very pleased of the good work its fund raising can do, making a real difference to the lives of our youth.
 
Remember next week is at the Rotary Club of Pakenham’s meeting with guest David Dippie of Donations in Kind and endless experiences of helping, along with several members from our club, in projects in East Timor.
 
Please book online but choose and pay for your chosen meal at Deep Creek Reserve Gold Club.
Cluster Meeting 30th November

A must-attend event and it is on THIS WEDNESDAY!

Guest Speaker
 David Dippie    PP Rotary Club of Keilor and PE RC Keilor East

Born in Scotland, arrived in Australia in 1957, lives in Essendon, married with three adult children and two grandchildren.
Business background; building construction - from Home Improvements to City High-rise, with significant involvement in Marketing and Franchising      
He started and ran his own business, The Skylight Shop, which he sold after 12 years and has been retired for several years.
Joined the Rotary Club of Keilor District 9800 in 1993 and was President in 2004-5.

David helps to manage the Donations In Kind Store, is Co-Chair of the D9800 Environmental Sustainability Committee and is a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group Oceania Chapter executive responsible for Project coordination and promotion.

He has made several trips to Timor Leste, some with members of our Club.

In August, he went to Tonga as a member of a 14-person RAWCS team. The project was the installation of dental chairs and facilities, which is similar to our involvement in the Balibo and Solomon Islands dental health and oral hygiene projects. David will reflect on this project and Rotary in Tonga.

Please note that the Rotary Club of Berwick is a full financial member of Rotary Donations in Kind (DIK), one of the very few in District 9820. David is our "Go To" person for all our activities through DIK. He is a wealth of knowledge on supplying overseas projects with equipment and goods as well as the many other aspects surrounding repurposing used equipment for other countries and local projects.

The meeting will be held at the Rotary Club of Pakenham
Deep Creek Golf Club
62 Cameron Way, Deep Creek Reserve
Pakenham VIC 3810

Meals can be purchased on the night at the Bistro, but please book (no payment required) through the invitation which Andrew Somers will send you so that we can forward the organiser our numbers. https://rotaryberwick.org/event/david-dippie/

The Rotary Convention has a secret
 
We have had a few members speak about their experiences attending an International Rotary Convention over the last couple of weeks. Friendships, events and opportunities arising from just being there are still strong years later. The secret is that you will never know what you learn, experience or gain from Rotary International Convention unless you take a chance and get out there!
 
Eric and Wendy Boon gave a wonderful presentation at this week's meeting about their adventures being involved with a Rotary Fellowship group: the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians. They learned about many different Fellowship groups when they attended the Sydney Rotary International Convention in 2014. Eric likes skiing, so it was a done deal! You can tell by the photo he is a changed person!
 
The next Rotary Convention coming to Melbourne in just a few months. I would encourage you all to have a look at this ritzy website that is jammed-packed with local information: https://rotarymelbourne2023.org/ 
 
If you are interested in attending the 2023 Rotary Convention in Melbourne and want to find out how to get the best deal, please CLICK HERE to download a registration guide. The early bird registration rate finishes on the 15th of December. Discounted prices may be obtained if you want to work at the Convention. I am not sure what the rates are or if they are still available, but worth a look anyway.
 
We currently have six members registered, so please think about experiencing an opportunity of a lifetime.
 
 
 
Photos by Sandi
Wendy, Eric and DiLouise and Louise
Jeanette and MicheleSam and Andrew
David and Sandi in "Selfie Mode"Helen and John
Wendy and TimTrevor and Louise
Ann and JackEric and Wendy pre loading before the big presentation
Michele and AndrewPat and Fred, always great to see these two
Heads and tails is a serious business!
 
Telling our story will help to build Rotary and ourselves
Every time we make an effort to share something about what we do in Rotary is a time someone learns about what we do. It might take many stories, all coming together over time to paint a vibrant enough story to go from conversation filler to a real interest in what Rotary is really all about. Rotarians almost make it a point not to say what they really do at Rotary. In this day of fast information, our quiet ways have been run over by causes more vocal and willing to spout their message and to that end, we are well behind the eight ball to attract attention to our purpose.
 
Jane Moore has been doing a terrific job on our Club's Facebook Page, but we need a few more people willing to learn a bit more about Public Image and Facebook. Facebook is the most easily accessible platform for most people in our demographic. It is an important tool to build our Club profile in the community and build the Rotary brand further afield. If you are interested in telling our story through Facebook, the web or in the bulletin, please shoot me an email at david.button@rotaryberwick.org or have a chat to Jane.
 
Here is a brilliant example highlighting just one side of the Club.
 
An extract from our Facebook Page written by Jane Moore: https://www.facebook.com/rotaryberwick.org
 
For those who don’t know, the Rotary Club of Berwick has an Art Screen Hire service!
We’re an enthusiastic and experienced group, delivering art screens across the eastern /south eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. The team, led by Rotarian Trevor Watson, have over 18 years of art screen hire experience.
The screens are light and extremely versatile with many imaginative configurations possible to create just the right atmosphere. Oil or acrylic paintings, school artwork, tapestry or any other hanging art can be displayed.
Today we delivered 15 screens to the Rye Community House to a delighted Denise, for their art show, opening at 5.30pm on Friday 18 November running through until 3.00pm Sunday 20th. www.ryech.org
This is the 7th art screen hire event since 16 September!
All money raised is used to fund many projects both locally and internationally.
For more detail: Art Screen Hire | Rotary Club of Berwick (rotaryberwick.org)
 
 
But wait there is MORE!
Extracted from: https://www.rotary.org/en/columnist-shares-how-tell-your-story written by Barbara Brotman, who is a freelancer and a former writer for the Chicago Tribune.

We all have stories; they’re what life is made of. Our childhoods, our families, our joys and sadnesses – we go through the years amassing material, which we craft into the ongoing personal narratives that make up our inner lives. 

The dictionary definition is succinct: Narrative: A spoken or written account of connected events. A story. But the importance of storytelling is epic. Homer knew it. Cave dwellers knew it, even if they told their stories in pictures. Shakespeare knew it. Nomads telling tales around a fire knew it.

Today, even corporations know it. In October, United Airlines hired a chief storyteller. Microsoft, IBM, Verizon, SAP – they all have storytellers on staff. 

Marketing people know it. The fields of marketing and publicity these days are thoroughly couched in terms of storytelling and narrative. 

And Rotary has always known it. Thus the long-standing tradition of asking new members to give a “classification talk” – to tell a story to introduce themselves. 

The urge to tell stories, and to hear them, is universal. But the ability to tell them comfortably and well? Not so universal. Especially when the story is our own: Even after years and many a personal essay as a columnist at the Chicago Tribune, I maintain a certain amount of apprehension when I write about myself. It is notoriously easy for a personal essay to turn sentimental or boring.

But it’s a hesitation worth overcoming, and a skill worth developing, especially if you want to encourage other people to join you in a pursuit you find enjoyable and meaningful.

Every Rotarian has a story. Why you joined, why you stay, how your involvement, your service, or your friends add to your life – it’s all there.

Why tell it? Because it gives outsiders like me a chance to learn about what Rotary means to you. Because you can raise funds more effectively if you tell a powerful story about why those funds matter. And because you can strengthen your bonds with other Rotarians and deepen your club’s sense of community by telling a story that touches you all.

Is your life richer because of Rotary? Has it enabled you to travel to someplace fascinating? Given you a window into a different side of your own town? Let you participate in a service project that changed someone’s world? 

Those are the reasons you should tell your story. Here are a few tips on telling it well.

Decide on one story. You probably have many stories about your experiences in Rotary, but making a single point is more powerful than tossing out many.

How about this for a subject: the joys of welcoming visiting Rotarians into your home. Now pick one of those visitors and start by describing one scene. 

Use action. In newspaper talk (and spelling), we call this an anecdotal lede. Here’s an imaginary possibility:

Jane dropped her suitcase, took off her shoes, and sank into our couch. “It was a long trip from Johannesburg,” she said. But before long, the distance between our homes had vanished; we were all Rotary members, and the conversation flowed freely.

When you start with Jane, you can explain why such visits from Rotarians are important; you can talk about other people from other places you’ve welcomed to your home; you can give a sense of the international nature of Rotary; and you can explain what having friends around the world has meant to you.

Speak for yourself. This is your story, so get personal. Think about your unique point of view. You don’t need any particular expertise; maybe it’s simply that you are brand new to Rotary. Tell what this story means to you; reveal something about yourself, especially if some element of your Rotary experience has challenged you in some way. 

Find the conflict. Conflict makes a story more interesting. If there is no friction, if nothing changes and nothing is learned, where is the narrative’s energy? And what is the point you are trying to make? 

The Moth, a nonprofit storytelling group that produces a podcast, a radio show, and live events, offers some tips: “Have some stakes. Stakes are essential in live storytelling. What do you stand to gain or lose? Why is what happens in the story important to you? If you can’t answer this, then think of a different story.”

Sound like yourself. Your story should be in your own voice. If you’re writing, write the way you talk. If you’re speaking, imagine that you’re conversing with a friend.

Consider the narrative arc. Think about your story as following a path that rises through a challenge or complication, reaches a turning point, then descends for a conclusion that provides some resolution. This can be as simple as telling how you were new in business in a new place, then were invited to join Rotary, and once there found a community. A simple and probably common story – but a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Talk about people, not programs. No doubt your club runs some fine programs and service projects. But roll these words around: Program. Initiative. Project. Have your eyes glazed over yet? 

I was working on a story for the Tribune about the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education’s fine program teaching blind adults how to manage life without sight. But I didn’t write about the program; I wrote about Jim Juchcinski.

Juchcinski was a man who had lost his eyesight to diabetes, had descended into depression and isolation, and was trying to make his way back into the world. His goal: to walk down the street without help.

I wrote about that one man, that one goal, and that one moment when, after weeks of struggle learning how to use a white cane, he walked slowly down a street, tears of pride streaming down his face.

Of course, the story was also about the program, in detail. But it was Juchcinski who made you care; he was the one with the high stakes.

Show, don’t tell. It’s classic storytelling advice, and it works. Think of Jane, your fictional international visitor: Did she wake up at 3 a.m. every day during her visit? Talk about that; don’t just say she had jet lag. Did she invite you to Skype with her kids? That demonstrates how you were becoming friends. Do you find yourself checking airfares to Johannesburg? Isn’t that a more vivid way to say that now you’re thinking of visiting her?

Keep it simple. Short sentences are strong sentences.

End strong. In the newspaper world, we call the end the kicker, which gives a nice sense of the punch you should close with. One way to do that is by circling back to your story’s beginning. 

And whatever you do with your narrative, don’t sell it short. Whether you are telling your personal story to your family, your company’s story to its customers, or your Rotary story to a prospective member, remember that it has power. 

As we go through life, we never lose the anticipation and excitement embodied in these four words: Tell me a story.

 

Christmas Function RC Dandenong-Endeavour Hills
 
The Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong & Endeavour Hills
cordially, invites you, your partner, family & friends to join us at our
 
Christmas Function
on Tuesday 6th December, 2022
 
Rotary Friendship exchange

Rotary Friendship exchange

 
Rotary Friendship Exchange 2023
 
International Convention is just around the corner. As a lead-up, we are hosting a Rotary Friendship Exchange with District 7120, upper New York State. They would like to spend some time in our District meeting with people, clubs and be involved with a community project along the way.
 
How does it work?
They will arrive in our District about two weeks before Convention and spend about four nights in each location. We will host them in our homes, show them around our District, and some of the great sites, take them to the occasional meeting, do a community project, and then move them to the next part of the District. Rotary Friendship Exchange works both ways, and after we host District 7120, they will invite us to their District in return. (some images below from District 7120)
 
We are looking at starting them in East Gippsland, they hosted Linda and I as part of the International Assembly Governors hosting program. East Gippsland was in the clutches of the fires. I am often asked how things are progressing and they would like to see the impact first hand, and doing a project in the community. Move to Central and South Gippsland, again see the sites, be involved with a project at Centenary house. Last stop, Peninsula, Frankston, Melbourne South East, has plenty to do, golf, wineries, scenery, a project on the Bay Trail, and a farewell dinner, everyone welcome.
 
What are we looking for: 
  • People to host. There will be 6 – 8 couples coming. Therefore 6 – 8 people in each area, about 4 nights.
  • Ability to drive people to sites and activities.
  • Clusters to help organize the community project
  • Assist with transportation from Melbourne to East Gippsland
We have Pearl Finlay-James in East Gippsland, Janne Speirs in Central/South Gippsland and Linda Morris on the Peninsula who will be coordinating the hosting and activities in their areas. District 7120 has been doing friendship exchanges for a long time. Check out Friendship Exchange History | District 7120 (rotary7120.org) to learn more.
 
Please let me know how you can be involved with this great opportunity.
         
Mark & Linda
District Conference 2023
The District Conference starts off on Friday, 24th of February, with captivating choices to explore the local area. Take a delicious winery OR garden bus tour with lunch, or try your luck on breaking your handicap in a round of golf on the delightful RACV Cape Schanck course. There are also eight self-drive tours for those who like to explore. For more information, CLICK HERE
 
On Friday night, arrange your Club dinner in any of the multitudes of cafes and restaurants which abound in the local area. 
 
On Saturday, settle in to enjoy an impressive array of presentations by the following Keynote speakers:
 
 
 
ACCOMMODATION: The RACV Cape Schanck Resort has just released its Conference offers for the Conference!    CLICK HERE to view offers
  • Kate Roffey, President of the Melbourne Football Club,
  • Warren Tate, Communications expert,
  • Julia Kay, 2022 Young Victorian of the Year and co-Director of Great Wrap,
  • Samuel Johnson, 2018 Victorian of the Year, actor and founder of Love Your sister,
Rotary projects and discussions will also be made by:
  • Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President and Ian Riseley, Rotary Foundation Chair and Past Rotary International President will share a virtual conversation with us
  • Jessie Harman, Zone 8 representative.
  • Bernie Farquhar, Rotary Club of Mitchell River
  • Ross Kilborn, Rotary Club of Mornington.
After enjoying a day of learning and connection-building, it is time to kick up your heels at the Saturday night-themed Beach Party dinner. Accompanying the gourmet event, the Baker Boy Band will treat you to fabulous music. The Baker Boy Band have played at a number of District Conference dinners and they are always on point with their entertainment.
 
Sunday morning starts with a breakfast session and a presentation by Kevin Sheedy, 2022 Victorian of the Year and Libby Wilson, Rotary Club of Rosebud Rye (RCRR). A tour of the Rotary Rosebud Warehouse: https://www.facebook.com/rosebudwarehouse/ will be offered to interested Conference participants as they leave from breakfast and head home. This is a major project of the Rotary Club of Rosebud-Rye and well worth a visit if you are interested in how a Rotary Club can run a very big and ongoing project that requires a lot of capital investment.
 
This conference has a lot to offer every Rotarian. Have a squizz at https://rotary9820.org.au/page/district-9820-conference-2023/. to learn more.
 
Registrations update: So far, 115 people have registered to attend the 2023 District Conference. Five of those are from Berwick and four of the Berwick crew are booked for the winery tour! Berwick Rotarians know how to socialise!
 
There is no one from Casey, Pakenham or Cranbourne yet, but there are four from Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills and two from Narre Warren (Our Cluster Club friends). I am an RACV member and got a great deal on accommodation at the Cape Schanck Resort using the above link. If you want something different to do that is reasonably priced, the District Conference could be for you.
 
 
 
Saturday Coffee Catch Up
Saturday Coffee Catch Up over Zoom, and all members are welcome to drop in for a chat.
 
Password: Rotaryzoom
 
Every Saturday morning, 10.00am
ALL club members are welcome.