From President Shraddha
What a wonderful meeting we had last week with 2 guest speakers and 3 new member inductions!  Truly a magnificent evening.  Thank you to all those members who were able to attend and welcome our visitors.
 
There is lots happening in the next two months and I encourage everyone to identify the opportunities for service, fellowship and fun.  We do need lots of hands on for the events listed below.
 
Also a reminder that our April dinner meeting will be a joint meeting with our cluster partners, Rotary Essendon, Footscray and Keilor East who are assisting us with the RICON musical event.
Thursday 20 April, 6.15pm at Windy Hill - Essendon FC, Napier Street Essendon.  Dinner in the bistro then move upstairs for the meeting.
 
Op Shop Food Pantry
Thanks to our dedicated manager, Melina Caccetta, and her enthusiasm, the Op Shop formally opened a Food Pantry on 14th.
 
Donations and support have been received from Kensington Market and Cheaper-Buy-Miles.  Melina has also contacted FoodBank and accessed supplies from them at a small cost to the club.
 
As members will realise, there are many people in our community struggling with food security and the Board has agreed to not only support Ascot Vale and Kensington Neighbourhood House pantries, but to  establish this one at our shop.
 
Members are encouraged to support and donate as they are able.
Last week's speaker #1
Catherine Johnston is our club's Australian Rotary Health PhD scholar.
Catherine reported on her research and work so far into mental health support needed at a primary school age level.  Her work continues the Mental Health First Aide program started by former member Betty Kitchener and her husband Prof Tony Jorm.
MHFA has now extended from a basic program, to youth, teen and is now progressing to earlier years where there is a great need.
 
Catherine's work will focus on developing resources to educate teachers in recognising, managing and supporting children aged 4-11.
 
Last week's speaker #2
Sarah Briggs has been a volunteer at the Op Shop for some time and was sponsored by our club to attend RYLA - the Rotary Youth Leadership Award program in December 2022.

Sarah reported on her experiences although there is an unwritten rule: what happens at RYLA stays at RYLA.

Sarah reflected that her most valuable take-away was 'Reflection and pausing before reacting' and how she's been able to sharpen her leadership skill through various techniques taught over the week.
 
Applications for RYLA 2023 will open in September.
 
 
Welcome to our new members:
President Shraddha had the delight in inducting 3 new members this week: Nina Farma, Dr Abdi Hassan and Mohammed Abbas Omar. She was assisted by Carolina, Peter and Josie.
 
    
  
 
       
 
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INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY BREAKFAST AT MOONEE VALLEY COUNCIL
 
President Shraddha was accompanied by daughter Samara to this special event.
We again hosted students from Mount Alexander College who were accompanied by Principal Dani Angelico and teacher Maddison Whyte.
 
The club was represented by Melina Caccetta, Carolina Sevcikova, Yvonne Farquharson, Alexandra De Bortoli, Frances Stratford, Barbara Ryan and Deborah Ryan from the shop.
 
Next meeting:
Wednesday April 5 will be a club planning meeting for 2023-2024.
It is very important that all members attend and participate in the planning process.
 
Flem-Ken Bowls Club 7.30-9.00am.       Breakfast will be supplied.
 
Nominations are also being sought for club leadership and Board roles: Nominations should be sent to Shraddha before or on the day.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

1.  Tour of Duty musical afternoon with Sandy and Retro Entertainment.
Friday 21 April at Maribyrnong Park Bowling Club 1.00-3.30pm.
Help needed at the door and for afternoon tea please.  RSVP to Sandy.
 
2.  Filter Fun Park - the musical.  Sunday 7 May 2pm at the Floridia Club, Wellington Street Flemington.  This is Yvonne's kidney health education project and help is needed for afternoon tea.
Yvonne would also appreciate help for the student performances in the week prior.  Contact her to indicate your availability.
 
3.  RICON23 - An evening with Silvie Paladino at the Clocktower. 5-9pm
Volunteers needed to meet with and support guests from RICON.
RSVP to Shraddha.
 
4.  Wildlife Habitat Tree Planting - Fairbairn Park Saturday 20 May 10am-12 noon.  RSVP to Lesley.
 
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