Happenings at last week’s Meeting
Back at the Sailing Club for our regular Dinner Meeting. Charles began the proceedings with the Toast and Invocation and then gave a brief introduction to the Guest Speaker, Monique Story. He then handed the Meeting over to the Chair, Anne Buchanan.
Anne read out the apologies (which you’ll notice are not in the Bulletin because they were not made available in print. Ed) and then called on Pauline to give a wider introduction to Monique.
Pauline told the Meeting, briefly, about the journey which had led Monique to create Quinn’s Place. It involved the loss of two of her sons but, out of these tragedies she found the motivation to make something worthwhile for local youth. Pauline commended the idea to the Club of establishing more of such facilities for local youth on the Peninsular.
Monique then spoke to the Meeting about her youngest son, Quinn, who would have been having his 21st birthday on the night. He was the youngest of 4 sons and when he died, she was inspired to create somewhere for friends and other local youth to hang out in safety. The loss of her second son only reinforced her determination.
The initial iteration of Quinn’s Place was open to all but, after 3 years, the facility was targeted by local vandals and had to be closed. When it reopened it was as a private club with rules and by invitation only.
They now have between 30 and 40 kids on a regular basis. Activities include a music room, x-box room, arts and crafts, games room, pool table, table tennis, foosball and Pac-man. The kids are years 7 thru to 12 and the Place is open each Friday from 6 till 10 pm. It’s at St. Macartan’s, opposite the Police Station, and it’s a 50/50 split between boys and girls.
The supervision is conducted by six “graduates” who come in as volunteers. The funding is in “dribbles” from local businesses and more is always needed.
After answering questions from the Club members, Monique was thanked by Pauline for taking the time for giving such an inspiring talk. Once again it gives food for thought on how this concept could be expanded.
The Chair now called for the Presidents Report.
Charles briefly spoke on:
- The possibility is being canvassed of using the Dromana Estate Winery grounds for the Trash and Treasure Market;
- On August 10th the Frankston and Mornington Rotary Groups are having a function for Monique; and
- Our Membership drive is still a major issue for the Club.
The Chair now called for the Secretary’s Report.
Wayne covered a range of subjects:
- Always respond to Merv regarding your attendance;
- Subscriptions are now due, but don’t pay via MYOB. Instructions will be forwarded;
- Regarding people – Mark is on leave, Mike Smith’s treatment is going well but he has tended his formal resignation;
- The last Committee Meeting was good and they will get better;
- He will be sending updates on the Club Calendar;
- Ross and Peter are working together on arranging future Speakers;
- The next week is a bye because it is the 5th Wednesday and the 6th August is a Social Night with details to follow; and
- The Mock Interviews are now on the 11th August.
Now it was time for Directors Reports and Pauline mentioned that her committee were tackling the promotion of local events and our membership push.
Bob reported that Mike’s treatment is going well and ha is in good spirits.
Lotto was drawn and Greg won. Fines were handed out to a small but vocal group and the Meeting closed at 8:05.
Don’t Forget the New Web Site.
Go there as often as you can, it’s important.
