At the Rotary Melbourne Meeting on Wednesday 11 December 24 the guest speaker was District Governor Michael Lapina, Opera singer, singing milestone songs in his career.
Chair of the day Richard Dent opened the 25 Rotary Melbourne meeting. As has become customary over the past 8 years, Past President Kevin Sheehan delivered the reflection by iconic Rotary Melbourne member, John Mitchell on 14th December 2016, just 10 days before his sudden death on Christmas eve that year. See separate bulletin item. President Catherine Baxter then proposed the loyal toast.
Following the meal service break, President Catherine welcomed all to the 25th Meeting of the Rotary Year and our 5062nd all time Club meeting.
Catherine welcomed special Guests, our very own DG Michael Lapina and our Club’s two music specialists, Maestro David Kram and Music educator and musician Karen Kim as well as Edward Lee, from Western Chances – our Christmas Appeal charity, District Governor Elect Peter Shepheard and Alex Lapina, President Rotary Activate.
The full list of visiting International and Australian Rotarians and guests of members is included below.
Catherine then introduced Edward Lee (recognised earlier in the year as Rotary Melbourne Young Achiever) to the lectern to address us on the impact on his life of the support he has received through his educational journey from Western Chances.
Catherine drew the Festive raffle which comprised 2 sparkling wines donated by Christina Boys.
Maestro David then came to the podium and began our festive feast of Opera and cheer during which we experienced the extraordinary talents of District Governor and Tenor extraordinaire Michael Lapina, and musicians David Kram and Karen Kim. The musical treat concluded with collective singing of ‘Deck the Halls’, ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’ and Jingle Bells.
Before closing the meeting President Catherine presented our tradional Rotary socks and wine to the entertainers, then reminded members that the first meeting of the year on 22nd January will be at RIMERN Warehouse where we will be volunteering to assist the rehoming and rehousing of members of the community to be followed on by the first lunch back at No35 on 29 January 25 with our annual Vocational Service Panel. The topic is “Ethics in Marketing”.
The meeting closed with the singing (led by the entertainers) of the National Anthem.
