A truly inspirational evening last Thursday with Alistair Scott’s outline of the engaging activities used in the Children’s Mobility Service at Guide Dogs Victoria and then Andrew Follow’s sharing his life journey as a photographer with Eamon the guide dog. A stimulating story of achieving safe, independent mobility with Eamon and overcoming the hurdles of visual impairment for a photographic career.
While digital technology has been an enabling tool, it was clear that success has come as a result of Andrew’s determination, philosophical good humour and creative flair. It is satisfying to think that the $750 we raised from the Changeover night raffle and donated to the GDV Children’s Mobility Service may start others on similar pathways to success.
The initial meeting of the Board last Wednesday focused on our program directions for the new Rotary year. It is great to see the ideas emerging from active discussions in the committees. The Club Assembly on 4th August will give all members an overview of the proposed programs and the opportunity to share their ideas.
We are just one club of 65 in Rotary District 9790, which in turn is one of around 530 districts worldwide. This week District Governor Tony Bramley will get a snapshot of Eltham and give us his insight of what is happening in Rotary across our district and globally in 2016-17. Let’s show him our support.
This week our District Governor Tony Bramley and his wife Pam (members of the Rotary Club of Greensborough Central) will outline the role of District, update us on the what's happening across our district of 64 clubs, and emphasise the themes and directions of Rotary International for 2016-17. We will also get an insight to the planning for the District Conference in Shepparton next March. Prior to the meeting the Board will meet with Tony at 5.30pm to present a snapshot of Eltham plans for the year.
Kevin Hadingham: Jules’ treatment has commenced - we’re thinking of him. Ann Lynch expected back soon following her sister’s surgery in Brisbane. District Governor here at next week’s meeting on 28 July.
Brett Linsell: Reported back on Rotaractor’s changeover event and reminder re trivia night fundraiser on Sat 19 August.
Dale Atkins: Reported back on Aquabox meeting. Aquabox Facebook page now up and running. Please press Like. Need more members on committee to assist with promotion and P.R.
Mike Englefield: Essential that RC Eltham members support Men’s Club proposal at Council meeting at Civic Centre on Wed 27 July as we are sponsors of this group. It would also assist with storage needs for Aquabox etc which currently costs us $18,000 annually in rent.
Lou Bolzonello: Please pay annual subs sent out this week. Still copies of Entertainment Book - good value at $65.
Clayton Hedger: Successful BBQ last weekend with result of over $1,000.
Jill Ramsay: Update on Festival. Sally Squires stepping down from organising events on the oval – Gary Williams will take over this role. This year oval not available - rugby field instead will be used.
Alan McCleary: Update on Community Service projects including seating at Lower Eltham Park, Diamond Valley Learning Centre programs, Sensory Garden at St Vincent’s Care Services (ex-Judge Book).
Speaker: Andrew Follows gave an inspiring presentation. Despite severe visual impairment he is a photographer with a social conscience, who is recognised within the arts community both locally and overseas. With his guide dog, Eamon, he explores the world looking for great objects to investigate and photograph and brought along some beautiful works to share with us.
Hi secretaries for Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Rosanna and Rotoract Diamond Valley,
To celebrate our 3rd birthday the Rotary Club of Greensborough Central is having an Italian Cooking night on Sat 13th August at St. John’s in Diamond Creek, 5:30 for 6pm. Your members (and partners) are invited. $35 per person. RSVP to Max on 0484 851 873.
My brother Maurice and I will teach you how to cook your own Italian food such as pizza, homemade pasta, gnocchi, lasagne (meat and vegetarian), tiramisu and panforte. The idea is that you will split into teams to cook 1 dish each, then we all sit down and have a feast. Bring an apron.
Places are limited so get in early. All proceeds to Polio Plus and Rotary International.
Last week we were pleased to be visited by Eamon. He brought along his “Boss”, Andrew Fellows. Nothing special there, except that Eamon is a 12 year old guide dog and his Boss is a blind Photographer!!!! How on earth can a Photographer be blind? Andrew is legally blind, but with no vision in one eye and 3 Metres of very dim tunnel vision in the other there is much he can’t see. But with large bright computer screens he is able to see enough to view and edit the results. And with a bright viewfinder he is able to see enough to frame the shots. And there beside him is Eamon. For something like the last 10 years they have been together. They have been to Edinburgh, New Zealand, Luxembourg and snapped their way around the world. Have a look at Andrews work. www.andrewfollows.com A picture tells a thousand words.
Andrew took off Eamon’s harness, and he became a typical Labrador, cleaning the floor and enjoying the attention, but when the harness goes back on, it’s back to work. But he is showing his age and due for retirement. There was a hush as we awaited the answer. The doc with his Wolf Hound, Labrador and rescue Greyhound, Sally with her medically unfit Guide dog and the ageing inspector Rex all took a deep breath.
Andrew drew a picture. His new Guide dog gets to take the Boss for a walk. Leaving Eamon behind. We feared the answer and just about everyone in the room was ready to save Eamon. No need to worry, Guide Dogs have a long list of people wanting to adopt retired Guide Dogs so they can just be a member of the family and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
On behalf of Amber Smith (Kay's daughter), please take 5 minutes to have your say on the future of Nillumbik’s housing and neighbourhoods through this survey. I would encourage you to provide your thoughts on accessible housing for people with disability through this survey. Please circulate this link to those in your networks who may wish to contribute.
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)