Regular Meeting, 1 August
Monday’s meeting was a special event as we welcomed another member to the club. John Bond of Millwood Road in Coolamon was inducted to a warm welcome by a good rollup of members. John has a background in electronic communications and in teaching the same through TAFE. John’s mentor is his neighbor, Garth Perkin, who formally introduced John to the club during the induction ceremony. John will be assisting Steve with secretarial duties.
At this week’s meeting, we were treated to an excellent presentation by Scott Norman, a resident of Ganmain and multifaceted individual who shared with us his experience of owning a Tesla electric car and the passion behind his decision to purchase this unusual vehicle. Dr Norman is a lecturer in animal reproduction at CSU in addition to co-owning a private veterinary practice (Farm and Pet Vet) in Ganmain with his wife, Jenny (Dr Jennifer Larson). Scott purchased his Tesla Model S a couple of years ago after waiting for the Tesla to come to market (he had been following its development since Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, released his electric Roadster sports car in 2008). The Model S is an amazing vehicle more like an aircraft than a car; equipped with forward-looking radar, ultrasonic sensors and a sophisticated computer control system, the vehicle is essentially able to drive itself when in autopilot mode (although this is strongly discouraged). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hr in about 4 seconds, five-star ANCAP safety rating, essentially zero maintenance costs and a fuel efficiency equivalent to 2-3 L/100 km (and essentially free operation when charging the batteries with solar panels) are features enough to give anyone a case of vehicle envy (until you consider the cost, which is in the vicinity of $120,000 AUD). Interestingly, the high-tech features are not what motivated Scott to buy the Tesla, it was the reduced environmental impact. The dramatic fuel efficiency and greatly reduced environmental impact (read zero emissions) are the driving forces behind Scott’s decision to spend so much on a motor vehicle. 
Those in attendance were duly impressed with Scott’s presentation, and left with a bit of motor envy. Ian Jennings thanked Scott and presented him with a kangaroo hide coin purse. Following the talk, the raffle was drawn and was won by Bernie Milne. Another brilliant fine session was conducted by Sergeant-At-Arms Ted Hutcheon, which left the members in stitches.
Launch of the Coolamon Community Chronicle
On Saturday morning, a number of club members, led by newspaper committee chairperson Myffy Collette, distributed copies of the inaugural issue of the Coolamon Community Chronicle to passersby outside the newsagency in Coolamon. The newspaper was received enthusiastically by most who received a copy. The newspaper will be produced monthly by the club and students in Beth Batcheldor’s class at Coolamon Central School, and will be distributed free of charge to the community at various locations throughout the shire. Thanks to co-chairs Myffy and Bernie and the members of the committee (club members Don Dyce, Grahame Miles and Paul Weston as well as Beth Batcheldor from CSC and her students) for the efforts that made production of this nice little newspaper possible.
Don’t forget the Census!
Just a reminder to complete your census form this coming Tuesday, 9 August. The census can be completed online, or via the paper form that has been sent to every household in the country. Stand up and be counted!
On the lighter side
Life Insurance
Mary was discussing the various aspects and possible outcome of the insurance policy with the clerk at the Insurance Agency.
During the discussion, she asked. “Suppose I take the life insurance for my husband today for a million dollars, and tomorrow he dies? What will I get?”
The clerk eyed her suspiciously and replied, “Probably a life sentence.”
A puzzler for you
Answer to last week’s puzzler
The coppers knew the man committed the crime because he came straight to the crime scene without being told where it was.
Diary Reminders
Monday, 8 August: Club assembly. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club. No guests.
Thursday, 11 August: Bingo [Grahame (Capt), Daryl, Wayne and Ted]
Monday, 15 August: Regular meeting. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club.
Wednesday, 17 August: Board meeting. Don Dyce residence, 7 pm.
Thursday, 25 August: Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Australian Medical Scholarship Informational Program, Wagga Mercure, 6:30 pm start. Answer to riddle: wholesome!
Monday, 12 September: Regular meeting and visit by DG Michael Millston. Coolamon Sport & Rec Club.
Saturday, 17 September: Kindra Forest Multipurpose Trail Opening.
Saturday, 17 September: Coolamon Cheese Factory Grand Opening.
Sunday, 2 October: Gears & Beers. Stay tuned for details!
Sunday, 16 October: President’s Forum and D9700 AGM, Young.
Saturday, 26 November: Street Raffle.
*Partners and Guests Night
Apologies for Monday meetings: call Ian Jennings on 0428 492 157 BY FRIDAY 12:00 pm.