Everyone loves Christmas and the Members of the Rotary Club of Caloundra are no exception.
 
Tuesday was our last Breakfast for the year and it also set the scene for our famous Secret Santa game.  This meant we all had to bring a present to put under the tree (or on the desk in the corner, in our case).
 
President Elect, Bernie was in control of the finances for the morning, taking our money at the desk.
 
I assumed the role of Chair after Sergeant Deb almost cracked her glass with her knife, for order in the room.
 
Following usual tradition, it was Grace, then a Toast to our great nation, then over to our esteemed, elder statesman for the magical, mystical tour to the part of the world chosen for the International Toast. Still, Alan surprised everyone and took us to D9350 to the Rotary Club of Durban in South Africa.  Please click on this link to go to the Facebook Page of this Club and check up on Alan's memory of statistics.
 
Our Club is very fortunate to have two Christian leaders in our midst.  James from the Salvos and Chukwudi, the local Catholic Parish Priest.  Sadly, we discovered, this morning, Chukwudi has answered the calling to transfer to the Parish of Kingaroy and Nanango.  This is very sad for our Club.  "Chuk" is a very popular man and has nearly converted half our Club to the Catholic faith by attending his Mass every Sunday.
 
"Chuk", you will be sorely missed.  We always enjoy you sneaking in late to Breakfast and flashing those big, pearly white teeth when you smile.  Our loss is certainly the gain of your new home.  We wish you well and hope that you settle in your new role and please visit us anytime you come to the coast to practise your surfing skills.
 
All the responsibility then fell on "Chuk".  Being his final Breakfast with us, he had to provide his Three Minutes on Me segment, followed by the Christmas Message.  Once again, we have learnt about the diversity of Members within our Club with this segment.  Chuk's life has been a very interesting one, geographically, religiously and exposure to Rotary from a very young age.
 
The Christmas Message "Chuk" conveyed to us was very simple.  Christmas is Rotary and Rotary is Christmas.  He said, what we do in Rotary by serving our community, above self, is the message of Christmas.
 
Among those present, I'd like to make special mention of our 'part time' members.  A BIG WELCOME to Trevor and Anna.  It was so nice to see you both for our Christmas Breakfast.  I understand Trevor received special permission to disembark at the port of Brisbane, from his Cruise Boat, in time to make breakfast and Anna rode her horse from one of her farms at Toogoolawah.  Great effort from both of you !
 
Also present were two lovely ladies, to be inducted as our Club's newest Members.  Both Megyn and Rachael come highly credentialed and recommended to become integral members of our Club.  Megyn, proposed by Gerry, and Rachael, by Darryl, are eager and enthusiastic.  Just what we need in a new Rotarian.
 
I've conducted a little of my own research and have come up with a snippet of what both our new Members are capable of.  I'm sure you'll agree, both will be valuable contributors to our Club.
 
Megyn Carpenter
As Marketing Strategist and Web Coach, Megyn is passionate about helping business owners achieve maximum success with new technology and online marketing.  Read more about Megyn here.
 
Rachael Witton
... Rachael is utilising her combined skills of crisis management, business strategy and mindful planning towards a sustainable future for all who rely on this critical support in our community.  Rachael has delivered holistic solutions to clients in crisis for years using an eye for detail, an open mind for creativity, a heart for compassionate and empathetic understanding and an outlook for continual blue sky view of what is possible for everyone.   Read more about Rachael on LinkedIn or log on to our website and check her biography in her Member profile.
 
As both ladies were inducted, we all cracked our Christmas Bon Bon's. After all the cracking and much clapping, our two newest members said a few words as each was warmly welcomed.
 
Both ladies went to press after the meeting - read what they had to say in this article.
 
Congratulations to both of you, Megyn and Rachael.  I look forward to having you as Members in our Club and working alongside you both in service to our community.
 
What a huge Breakfast Meeting it was. Next came the Secret Santa. A lot of fun was had with everyone receiving all manner of presents and then stealing more favourable ones from other Members.
 
Sergeant Deb, decided to be nice to everyone and randomly asked Members sensitive questions. It was all about Christmas and Rotary.
 
Following on from Breakfast, a number of Members went and surprised Norm, for coffee at his new "home".
 
We were also fortunate enough to have a visit (after Breakfast, unfortunately), with District Governor, John Lane.
 
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and I hope the new year brings prosperity and good times.  Enjoy the Christmas break and I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
 
PS. Don't forget our Bunning's BBQ is on Wednesday 27 December.  It's tipped to be a big one !  I know the roster is full, which is always encouraging, but if you're in the area and want to pop down to say hello, I'm sure Keith would love a break from 'turning snags'.