Meeting Notes for 21 April

 

 

President Tom was introduced by the base treble of Sergeant John Cronly and President Tom boomed out a hearty Good evening and welcome in his inimitable style with a wink and a smile.

 

At Pres. Tom's invitation, Brent introduced the notable new visitors on whom he had apparently done some research - in true dedicated Rotary style - in some cases, over the past two decades or so (see Brent's talk about his incredible journey).

Karen Paul, community Pastor. Emily and Simon, Anthony and Emily - all members of his extended family. He was very strict and didn't allow them to any air time.

 

President Tom:

Welcome back Frank Rule. Harry, happy B'day

 

Brent and Alecia were asked for their impressions of the recent assembly.

Brent

Interesting day. Roughly 550 people there. Fascinating to see the stuff behind the scene. Shelter box interesting. Went to PR training - social media and other strategies - fascinating. Good to see the in depth look at Rotary. Really enjoyable the day and thank you for the opportunity. Alicia concurred.

Could the shelter box make a good dog's house?

[Much - um - laughter. Not sure if Alicia agreed. She sets a high standard for her cavoodles and labradoodles].

Thurs was a wild and woolly day for WATW. Many awards. An enthusiastic LOL showed the flag.

Board meeting on 28th.

What is tomorrow? Earth Day. [The president was really on fire].

 

Sergeant John Cronly - looking into space on Earth Day. [Originality abounding].

Sartorially observant as ever, JC judged outstanding attire - the person third from the left at the rear was wearing a red jumper. Then crawled a bit by announcing that Alicia made an outstanding guest speaker. Then erstwhile PDG Tom for putting up with us. Frank with Tasmanian jacket.

 

Dick White in charge of local branch in a storm (from a tree, not the party) that finished up launched into low orbit and landing on his roof.

Harry for birthday. Celebrating by nearly drowning himself in Pizza and red wine.

James Shevlin gave Ann's gift voucher for his birthday to Marina for a wedding anniversary present. [wonder if he'll get Karma'd for that?]

Ann for changing her name.

 

Phil - Council story about awning. Council prepared CC with DA but didn't issue it even though paid for. Reason? 'You have to request it'.

 

Lindsay - Council story.

Someone had a Leaky garage with a tree involved. Next door's pipe. Tree came down. Council needed water board to tell them to cut it down. Left stump. Stump? Excavator from water board need to remove it.

 

X fines

Tom award last week to blossom but Tom countered that there were two blossoms tonight.

JC finally got his car handle after 12 weeks. Holy leaping jaguars batman!

 

Guest speaker - intro by Chris Curtis

Googled "Hawkins". Found Jennifer and the wardrobe malfunction in 2004. [ Chris obviously excited about a Hawkins joining the club]. Alicia to tell us about it.

 

Alicia

Thanks for turning up. Terrible weather. Appreciate it.

My First dog - Beethoven

Talking animals and enthusiasm for research a passion not a chore.

Qualies  in hotel and business management. Got out of hotels and looking for a shop. Deluxe warehouse for sale. Purchased in Mar 2012. Changed address.

Lane Cove Alliance grant to set up. In 10 months 120% growth in revenue.

Implemented deluxe pet house. Adopted 45 animals mainly cats.  Changed name "forever pets". [cousin Jennifer's input now surplus to requirements?] Opening party100 people and 2 articles in local papers resulted. [great business model already but wait - there's more!].

Started a Helping Hands adoption programme.

Many people employed including one autistic.

Community projects - thanks rotary for being a great example.

Rescue support. Bunny club on Friday. Bring cardboard boxes, carrots and love for the bunnies and guinea pigs.

 

Adoption success

Sydney dogs and cats home. Cats guinea pigs rabbits, birds incl quails.

Vets and independents. As well as No Kill pet rescue.

246 adoptions in all.

Pets and Santa. 1/2 price -charity - successful.

Cheesy photo in North Shore Times. [outstanding] as well as other papers.

 

Why rescue through store?

Breeding and raring much stress and produces unhealthy pets.

Lowest production costs.

No pressure sales system.

Customer wants ready access to adoption.

free vet support for 2 weeks. Pro follow up.

Law & legislation. Dog and cat sales only if rescued. Must happen here as in other states. So doing it voluntarily before need to.

The future

Breeding regs preventing in-breeding. Industry changes.

Lower euthanasia.increased animal health. And QOL. Increase more unpopular types. More buyer support. Lowering price of animals in pet stores. Up to $5000 for some backyard bred pets.

Community loves it. 'My dream, passion, life'. [wow - or should I say 'bow wow'. What a grandstand finish].

 

Questions

What's a caboodle. Anything in the poodle club. Why poodle get preference? Fashion and perception that may not be allergenic but can be. Did you change premises with name change. Connection with RSPCA? No.

Dick. Who polices the legislation? RSPCA. Lobbyists.

Native animals as pets? No - illegal. Owners look like pets? No pets that ugly usually. What was your pet Phil?

Hate cats that kill off wildlife?

Encourage people to keep inside. Encourage them kept indoors. But let out between 10 and 2pm.

Feral pet nuisance? Education, sterilization, elimination.

Business operation funds operational costs - pet rescue a charity.

 

Roger Wescombe - vote of thanks

Looking around the room, took me back to halcyon days when I had a fresh face. Terrific presentation. Wonderful deal for you and for the people. Your dog was Beethoven. MY dog was Offenbach. You're going to be a fabulous speaker and hopefully, president one day. Using business in a socially responsible way. Terrific.  Accept a Rotree for that effort.  Splendid presentation.

 

Pastor Karen Paul- update

Started a Single mothers group monthly. Sponsored WATW - 21 people. One group continuing meeting monthly. Website. Www.lanecovecc.com

Brent: Rotree for your talk belatedly. The dog will have fun.

Meeting with Crows Nest in June. Anzac ceremony.

 

26 in attendance. Four visitors and 22 Rotarians.

$58.65 in fines.

 

All stood and made a statement of Advance Australia Fair.

 

Meeting ended at 8.15