Hello
This week members nominated for the Committees they wished to serve on this year and those not present will be given the opportunity to do so when they return.
Reminder to all that we have an opportunity to attend the District Membership and Public Image Seminar on 3rd August - Gaynor Schols is attending but it would be great if more members went along. Unfortunately I have another event that day but will be going to Rotary Leadership Institute with Jan Emmett in September to gain more knowledge in this area.
We need as many members and partners as possible to attend the District Governor's Joint Dinner Meeting on Monday 5th August at the Geelong RSL in Belmont. Please respond to the Whoozin' event at your earliest convenience. Let's car pool and make a night of it!
One more to put in the diary - dinner with Rotary International Chairman - Mark Daniel Moloney in Ballarat on Tuesday 24th September. Lesley and I are definites - let me know if you are keen to join us.
Our guest speaker at the meeting was none other than one of our newest members, Tom Fratantaro.
We learnt that Tom's Dad sailed to Australia from Sicily in Italy with basically only a suitcase full of dreams.
He worked in manual labour roles and saved up enough money to bring his wife and children out to Australia. They settled in Werribee South and he became a Market Gardner.
Tom's parents and his 3 siblings lived in old train carriages - 4 placed together made their family home. His dad built brick veneer house when he was 4 yo, 2 older sisters married
Mid 60s, Brother left to get married then Mum passed away in her 50s; Dad not much later. This left Tom to run the family farm and market gardens. It was through his customers that he met Josie on a blind date. He knew she was not a farm girl so the farm was sold and Tom got into the trucking industry around the western suburbs. Eventually got out of that business and he and Josie travelled overseas for 5 months to Europe. Now with 3 kids they decided to move to Shepparton in the 80's - perfect place to bring up a family.
During this time he was asked to join Shepparton Central Rotary of which he was a member and held a number of office bearing positions as well as being awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship.
In 1993 sold motel Over 20 years took on school bus driving - got to know kids & community
Working on cars led to business Duco Doc where being patient & precise resulted in good word of mouth marketing. This business fits between a Detailer &panel shop
In May Tom and Josie completed 200kms of Camino walk in Spain which ended in Santiago. It was a wonderful experience and should be on everyone's bucket list. They plan to undertake further sections of the Camino whilst still fit and able.
Currently living in Geelong near their children and loving life!
We have a large meeting next week with a number of guests and potential members coming along so let's fill the room and hear all about the Surf Coast Shire's projects presented by Nicky Agius.
Have a great week!
Kelly
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