Welcome to the Alexandra Headland Rotary Club

 
Are you an local community minded person who wants to make positive changes in your neighbourhood and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
 
We meet every Wednesday morning at 6.45 for 7 am breakfast meeting. Guest speakers, catch up with what's happening in your community, amazing beach views, and kiosk breakfast. 
Speakers and Club activities
Helping save lives in Uganda. See YouTube video
 
 
Rotarians Rolling Hippos on youtube;

See us on Social Media
What IS Rotary ??
Rotary News Feed
Life during wartime: a frontline report

As the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approached, a firsthand account shows how Rotary members are responding to this humanitarian crisis.

Rotary projects around the globe - February 2023

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Bolivia, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Malaysia.

Remembering Jewish Salonica

Albert Bourla's story of how his parents survived the Holocaust provides a vivid picture of the Jewish experience in Thessaloniki. His story has important lessons today for all of us in our very troubled world.

Second woman nominated as Rotary International president

Second woman nominated as Rotary International presidentEVANSTON, Ill. (January 24, 2023) — Stephanie Urchick, member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, PA, USA, will become the second woman to take office as president of

Leveraging expertise: Shelterbox

ShelterBox: A desire to help, a global relief partner, opportunities to respond after disastersShelterBox, an internationally known disaster relief organization and one of Rotary's key partners, originated as a Rotary club

Alex Rotary Fees
What does Rotary cost? Our full members pay $150 every 6 months to support Rotary International (RI) causes. The only other cost is club breakfast, which can cost between $5 - $12 at the Alex Surf Club. 
 
In return you get to hear great speakers, meet like minded good citizens, find out what's going on around the world and local communities. By being part of a Rotary club you get involved in community and youth projects, some of them fundraising. Proceeds from fundraising are donated to  community causes suggested by the members. Some years we have donated  >$25,000 to local community. 
 
Friends of Alex, who are basically folks who volunteer to help out or attend very occasional Rotary meetings, pay $20 pa.
 
On joining, there will be a one-off cost for a personalised club shirt and badge. 
Alex Rotary WorkLife Coaching Program 
 
Rotary helping you transition to work
Here is a link to the complete WorkLife booklet developed by Alex Rotary as a mentoring guide to anyone starting work for the first time. (Also not a bad read for anyone going back into the workforce who would like a bit of inspiration and advice. 
 
We've also found that local businesses use it as a friendly support for their employees to help discussions along on the importance of work, (and how to be happy at work while making the boss happy!!)
 
 
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Blue Card Connections
Club Executives & Directors
President
Skye Miller
Secretary
Valerie Saunders
Treasurer
Wendy Gilson
Membership
Peter Deane
Thank you to our great Surf Show and Shine Sponsors
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Club News
Thinking

Thinking and memory - try it out for yourself

A very interesting presentation and activity from Marylin Freeman on Wednesday morning. It involved thinking and more importantly, how we think. Marilyn took some of the Canadian research into this area to demonstrate that our memory (an important part of thinking) works most strongly with images, and not text. We were given 15 images to draw and 15 words write down. This was to aid the recall a few seconds after the lists were taken away.
 
Then in recalling them after a few minutes it was clear that most folk could remember at least 7 of the images and a lot less words. Some scored zero memory of words - eek
Anyway, a great demonstration and thank you Marilyn for very entertaining activity. Much appreciated.
 
 
 
 
What happened at Board Meeting 

Feedback from Board Meeting

Welcome back to President Skye who briefed the club on her first board meeting since her return from chilly Europe. Here's the main points for your edification..
 
  • The Pride of Workmanship dinner date has been pushed out to 26th April. More details and updates coming from Mike's team. 
  • The club is always interested in members suggestions for community projects, if you have one, please be sure to let other members know. Anisha and John are going to investigate the situation with our 5 schools in regards to making sure schools have support to help with school breakfasts. 
  • Mike is investigating Volunteer Fair opportunities in the region.
  • Tony is working on a new "coffee and chat" listing for the club. 
  • Bob L is working on the Solstice Swim preparations. We'll be looking for help from sponsors soon. 
  • Steve N is reaching out to the MSHS on the car boot proposal now that term is underway
  • The club approved the "All Rounder" award for each of the 5 schools we have relationships with in the region. (Grammar, Chancellor, Sienna, Mountain Creek, and Marocchydore SHS). Graeme has agreed to approach the schools with this offer. 
  • There's a social event for the club coming up, probably involving rolling round balls on grass towards an impossibly small ball in the distance. To add to teh difficulty the balls seem to be incapable of rolling in a straight line. Sounds like fun?
  • Dateclaimer. Clean up Australia Day os on 5th March. The club has registered with the Clean Up Australia Day Council. 
 
Dave's travels

Dave Woodrow travels to PNG to honour and remember Australian Service 

No doubt we'll receive a full briefing from Dave on his return, meanwhile here is a few. pics he has sent through when he was on Kiriwini Islands. He has been to Milne Bay and is expected back on the coast  on Monday. ....
 
 
Some services memorabilia
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Year resolutions, club challenges, and topical discussions

A bright New Year start from Alex Rotary

A certain scribe has been reflecting on the year ahead for the club and New Year resolutions.  Suggesting that on a personal level (and maybe at Club level) there is value in words calling for a simple call to action.
 
The best NY resolution that he has heard (and that he can remember - because its only two words)  is "Do Better"
 
This challenge has resonated with a few, including President elect Peter who is having a think about what it could be at club level.
 
One person who has already taken this on board is our very own Angela did well by providing confectionary at the meeting to sweeten our early morning temperaments while celebrating the year of the rabbit. Good onya Angela. 
 
And big shout out to our resident GP, Phillip,  who did well to remind the meeting that Wednesday was also the day that's celebrated all over the world to mark the birth of the worlds greatest poet, Robert Burns. 
 
Also as a certain scribe noted in regards to the date of Australia Day, what was our reflections on the current community views about the date of the celebrations....could we, as a community "do better"?
 
and would the date of Australia Day pass the 4 way test?
 
What do you think?
 
Club meetings
 
A reminder that before next weeks meeting there are two ZOOM meetings.
 
On Monday Mike is charing a meeting on Pride of Workmanship project, and on Tuesday the first Board meeting of the year. As always all members inputs are welcome. 
 
 
Scottish RI International President talks to Alex Rotary

Message of Bravery, Peace and especially Hope and a new logo from the new incoming RI President

 
We had a really inspirational talk on Friday from the incoming International President. Its not often that (in fact its the first time we believe) that all the various nationalities that make up Rotary hear the new theme in their own language. And its not often that you hear courage and bravery associated with Peace. But that was Gordon's message to Rotary. That Peace is not a passive thing, it requires action, to be courageous and brave an hard work. So it is with mental Health, seeking out help for mental health is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of bravery, courage and strength. 
 
Gordon has clearly a history of international aid and related an experience with a woman who suffered really badly from the Tsunami. He reflected that the greatest gift we can give to folks in desperate circumstances is not always material things, but through practical help to deliver Hope, and so our logo and challenge is to "Create Hope in the world"
 
 
 
 
 
 
Get Involved

The Year to get involved?

On Friday Secretary Val invited new members to think about ways to get involved with club meetings and activities. We're always welcoming of new ideas and although a small club we like to think we can make a difference when we work together. Some of the activities we have on the agenda for this year are:
 
  • Pride of Workmanship - celebrating the best employees on the Sunshine Coast. If you know of a community minded business who would benefit by having one of their employees contributions recognised and celebrated, let Mike know.
 
  • Car Boot Sale - a new project. If you want to help Steve out with getting a community car boot sale going and helping out Maroochy State High School Students with some valuable experience, let Steve know.
 
  • Solstice Swim - Did you know that kids drowning is the biggest preventable cause of kids deaths in Australia. Whats more surprising to you? (i) That 25% o deaths are from migrant families?  or (ii) 75% of deaths are from Ausiie born kids?
 
  • Clean Up Australia Day (TBC) - One of Rotary's key aims is improving the environment. What can we, as a club do?
 
  • Mock Interviews (TBC) - Rotary occupies a key position between Youth development, Business and Education. We're always happy to support improving the skills and relationships in this space.
and we know that certain new members have a history of community activities that they're looking to bring to the club. So if you have a new idea for a community project, don't keep it to yourself, let the club know.
 
Meanwhile, here is a short video with a powerful message describing what Rotary is all about. Its also available on the club website. www.alexandrarotary.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
News from Madagascar

 

Madagascar - who knew?

New member and world traveller Narelle dropped us a line to let us know that she was not able to make Wednesday's breakfast meeting as she was teaching English to the community in Madagascar. Fair enough we thought, and its a great opportunity to bring you an more detailed update from Narelle in future newsletters. 
 
Meanwhile here is some Madagascar questions to test your general knowledge.laugh some more relevant than others...
 
What is the name of the dejected Zebra in Central Park in the original Madagascar ?
What is the name of the King of the Lemurs?
What is the capital of Madagascar?
What is the currency of Madagascar?
 
Get all 4 questions right to be in the draw to win $50 Bunnings voucher. Winner decided from readers responses tomorrow. 
Collage - did you see?

Our club artist has been busy

Always one to put his artistic flair to every project our mate Steve has been busy creating a collage for our new Club pop-ups showing off some of the activities Alex Rotary has been up to over the years. Some great memories here...Well done Stevo. 
 
 
Charmaine and granddaughter helping after the floods in Tasmania

Blazeaid

Fire and Flood seem to be the new norm in Australia, what with fires in WA and Tasmania and floods in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. One of our members has taken to he road over Christmas to help out.  
 
Member Charmaine went off to join Blaze Aid help and help out the community in Tasmania. Her amazing story below. 
 
Members might recall that the club has a history with Blaze Aid, that you can see on the club photo albums on the website. Not sure exactly where this farm was, perhaps one go our readers could advise?
 
So here's some more photo's to add of Charmaine and her granddaughter and helpers reinstating trees that were lost during the floods in Tasmania, and a report from Tassie, below.
 
Hello from TEAM GALS at the Blazeaid camp in Rappville. I have the wonderful opportunity to work with my 14 year old granddaughter. 
 
We planted 150 trees for a macadamia farmer who had all his 1 year old trees washed away in the floods, repaired many broken fences and erected many new fences. The gratitude from the farmers has been overwhelming.
 
Attached photos of our amazing Blazeaid experiences.
 
Kindest regards from Rappville,
 
Charmaine
 
 
 
Alex Rotary Worklife book - going international ?

WorkLife Book ..do you have?

We've had a request for a printed copy of the WorkLife book that was created by the club with support from Sunshine Coast Council a few years ago. The club printed 50 copies of the book, as reference material and "door opener" for discussions with schools on how Alex Rotary could help bring the gap between leaving school and starting work. We included lots of advice and experiences from our members worklife and how they started their working lives and what was their advice to the younger generation. 
 
The book content is available in module form on the club website  CLICK where you can see some photo's of the initial contributors. 
 
We've had a request for a printed copy and there's none left.
 
In fact we've not had any spare for years, as copies were taken up by Rotary clubs in Qld, NSW, Victoria, as well as the UK, USA and Alaska following an article in Rotary Down Under. So if you have a copy that you're happy to hand back, please let a certain scribe know as our old mate Bob Thompson would appreciate one for a family member who's doing great work in Argentina. 
 
ate 
Bonnie & Belinda making a difference to lives on the coast

Thank you Bonnie and Belinda

 
 
We had our first Wednesday morning meeting, and special guests from Caloundra Pacific members, Bonnie and Belinda. Bonnie is the driving force (force is the right word) behind "Share a meal" ...an initiative started several years ago by Judeth and Maureen, and taken up by the amazing Cal Pac club volunteers, to ensure that every Thursday the folks who would appreciate a chat and a meal have a place in Caloundra. 
 
 
 Unfortunately, as is often the case with folks who need a hand, mental health issues are all too common and it was personal tragedy that Bonnie related to the club that made Bonnie and her teams efforts all teh more meaningful.
 
Well done to everyone involved. 
 
Wendy rounded up the fines and donations and we were able to match the funds from fines session from CalPac as a gesture of Alex Rotary's appreciation for the great work that these folks do every week. 
 
 
 
In some ways the social side of helping the community is equally important, and Bonnie shared some heartwarming stories with us. 
 
 
Love the graphics
 
 
 
Rotary & Toastmasters
 

Thank you Steve for new club montage

Rotary and Toastmasters

On Friday Marilyn Freeman spoke to the club about her experiences with Toastmasters and Rotary and how both organisations are working together to increase personal development. To be able to speak well in public speaking is a great "soft" skill and one that can be learned with practice and dedication. It can change lives and make a difference. An inspirational public speaker can move an individual or group to greater things. Thank you Marilyn for your reflections on your amazing journey with Toastmasters. 
 
Toastmasters and Rotary have combined to provide tools to help individuals improve their public speaking. Here's what you need to know.

A Strong Alliance 

In May 2019, two long-standing organizations, Toastmasters International and Rotary International, formed a unique strategic alliance, drawing from the strength of their many similarities and complementary differences. The opportunity for Toastmasters members is primarily to establish fellowship and make new connections, contribute more to communities, and potentially elevate clubs. Rotary members have the opportunity to develop new skills and may ask to visit Toastmasters clubs or receive evaluations. Toastmasters also developed eight educational courses for Rotarians and Rotaractors, available on Rotary International’s Learning Center, which can be accessed by their members in nine languages.

Check it out HERE

Did you know? 

What famous orator said..."Ask me to speak for an hour then give me 30 minutes notice, ask me to speak for 5 minutes, give me 24 hours notice?"

First correct answer to secretaries email wins this weeks lucky prize.
 
We walked for Polio awareness 

Polio Walk - Thank you all  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not entireley sure whats going on here..something about starting bell for the walk...
..and a note from the prescient Joy..
 

A lovely Day to Participate in a Walk For Polio at LA Balsa Park

Sunday the 14th of August saw The Rotary Club of Alexandra headland engage in a successful Walk For Polio at LA balsa Park , at Point Cartwright. It was a brilliant day with representatives from The Rotary Club of Maleny; The Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific; The Rotary Club of Brisbane; and the Rotary club of Alexandra Headland  join together  with members of the local community groups,  with the purpose of raising awareness about the affects of Polio and the need to raise some funds, to eliminate this devastating disease, that targets children under the age of five. Our thanks also to the Rotary club of Nambour who gave a most generous donation in support of the Rotary Club of Alexandra’s  Headland’s Walk for Polio.

With some experienced Heart Foundation walkers and a Sports physiologist from the University of the sunshine coast, the walkers set off at a comfortable pace on the wide council path to the end of the breakwater wall.

A lot of interest was generated by costumed walkers one of whom was a Santa Claus.

Dogs came well attired by their owners with colourful collars or a knitted coat. One gorgeous toddler came in a bright yellow jump suit. There were prizes galore for many of the participants. Excitement was the order of the day especially when Santa Claus was spotted by the board riders. 

It was a day which lent itself to making friends and creating bonds with Rotarians from different clubs. 

It was lovely to see families spend time with their children in brilliant Sunshine with spectacular scenery , 

The Rotary club of Alexandra Headland sends out a voter of thanks for the visiting Rotarians from a variety of clubs and hope this event won’t be the last we all get to meet again.

Thanks also go out to the visitors who attended this walk  who  represent our local community.

A vote of thanks goes out to the high proportion of Alex Headland Rotarians who came together and set up for this event in the early hours of Sunday morning, to ensure a great day was had by all. 

Lastly thanks go out to President Skye and Past President Wendy who without their help this walk would not be able to occur.

It was a bonus to have at our walk the District Chair of Rotary Foundation for Polio-  Bruce McNaught, who himself is a survivor of polio. Also thanks to Sue Mackenzie who is  president of New Farm .Sue is also a polio survivor and is on the Board of Polio Australia.

Joy

Transition to work help now at Burnside

Alex Rotary Mock Interviews, Resume help and work coaching now at Burnside

 
 
 
Steve, Larney, Liana, Jack and Michelle with High School Student 
 
Alex rotary have had a keen interest in helping kids transition onto work, and have been part of the regular Maroochydore High School Interviews for many years now and are always willing to help out the future of Australia.
 
We're delighted to have been invited by The Smith Family and Burnside State High School to continue the tradition in August when we've been invited to help the senior students at Burnside in this area.  This will be the first time that we've gone to Burnside and we're excited. We're also looking for potential volunteers to help out on the day with some light coaching on interview skills and resume evaluations from a potential employer perspective. 
 
Here's what they've been saying about Rotarians passing on their experience at Maroochydore State High School..
 
"The annual Mock Interviews for Maroochydore State High School year 10 students not only form an integral part of their curriculum, they provide an excellent opportunity for Students to have a practice run at a Job Interview with “strangers” in our community so the actually get to feel some nerves, but more importantly, they gain valuable life experience in what it will be like when they actually apply for that job of their dreams.
 
The local Rotary Cluster on the Sunshine Coast always proudly supports this event and it’s one I am very glad to be involved with, pulling together between 20 to 25 Volunteers each year to work our way through the cohort. The legendary Morning Tea is a big drawcard for those that have had the pleasure of tucking in and the School usually provides a token of their appreciation with a box of chocolates and a certificate for each Volunteer. The most rewarding part? Knowing we have helped today’s youth towards a successful careers and meeting some of the truly talented up and coming youngsters who you just know are really going places in this world."
 
If you have an interest in this area, and are available in early August please let the club secretary know on RCAHsecretary@gmail.com
Solstice Swim Progress

 

Solstice Swim Results

Hi folks, well we said it wasn't a race, but I know many of you wantto know how you went, so here are the results....and just to say a BIG THANKYOU to all our swimmers...thanks to YOU we have raised about $15,000 (TBC) for our amazing Sunshine Coast Charities. The bigger ROTARY organisation will match dollar for dollar whatever we put in for special projects, so that will REALLY make a difference to a young persons life. Thanks so MUCH.
 
 
ROMAC - The stories

ROMAC - The stories 

Tony reminded us on Friday why the club has been a long term sponsor of ROMAC and some of the personal stories that he has seen in his 30 years of Rotary. Stories mostly of children who lives have drastically changed for the better after horrific birth defects, injuries and disease. 
The great Rotarians who donate their skills free to the pacific region are often not seen or celebrated. We'd like to acknowledge all the health professionals, general surgeons, GP's, Maxillofacial surgery specialists, Anaesthetists, helicopter pilots, etc. etc. and all members and community workers who volunteer for such a worthwhile cause.  
Our Programs and Causes
At Rotary we want to have fun while "making a difference" to our communities, locally and internationally.
 
However, we're a "can do" organisation..and if you have a cause or program that you want some help with, why not get in touch and we'll see what we can do?
 
The events that we run and support allow the club to raise money to support some of the many good causes in the community. All of Rotary donations and fund raising go to the community. All Rotarians are volunteers and give freely of their time. Club expenses are kept to a minimum, and the main Rotary Foundation is one of the top 5 Charities in the world in terms of its effectiveness, with the administration costs far, far, lower than many better known charities. 
 
  • Surf Show and Shine - Celebrating the Coast while helping the outback. We always need volunteers to help run this annual community event.
 
  • SunnyCoast Solstice Swim - Supporting our Young Veterans and other Rotarian community causes. It's getting bigger every year. 
 
  • Worklife Program - Rotarians are generally business people who are passionate about giving back. So its only natural that when they see businesses complain that the young are not "work ready", and they see overloaded school curriculums, and stressed out kids going into the workforce that they want to help. So Alex Rotary has been delivering and promoting a program to help first time workers transition to work, in a practical and positive way. Already we've been to high schools on the Sunshine Coast , Rotaract at USC and IFYS community worker work start programs. 
 
  • Golf Day - Last year we hosted a charity golf day to raise funds for Sunshine Coast helicopter rescue - an initiative started by Rotary here on the Sunshine Coast. 
 
  • Christmas at Alex - Every year we host a BBQ at Christmas at Alex, to raise funds for our local battlers at Christmas.
 
  • Christmas Hampers - Last year we gave 400 hampers to the Carers of Children to give a helping hand over Christmas
 
  • Mooloolaba Triathalon - we're delighted to help the organisers host this event that attracts thousands to the coast
 
  • Mooloolaba Ironman - For many years Rotarians have managed the gear tent for this great event
 
  • Clean Up Australia Day - every year we organise a BBQ for our volunteers who help clean up the coastline around beautiful Alexandra Headland
 
Read more...
Mark Hunter - Disability advocate extraordinaire

Disability – Death  -- Determination 

Mark is an advocate in supporting those in need. Through a water-skiing accident in early 20’s he became a tetraplegic and through determination recovered but has spent his adult life in a wheel chair. (Prior to the accident he was a State Champion water skier).

The wheelchair did not stop a successful teaching career, ending up Principal of various Qld country and city primary schools before retiring a few years back. But there were challenges … like the principal’s professional development programme being held in the Polo Club in Brisbane where there was only access via stairs. After three years at the same venue, he challenged Qld Education and won …. They now run the development programme in a disability access venue!

He also challenged Qld Police Service after being treated badly by a young police officer. He told us, he was self-represented against Senior Barristers and won the QCAT case!

Following retirement and during his mother’s end of life experience at Hopewell Hospice, he became a volunteer which led to a full-time job as CEO.  Through his determination he managed the hospice and made all “clients” feel comfortable. He even ran “Death Café” discussion groups to allow the hospice clients and their families to open the discussion to ensure greater understanding of what they had generally been through and how they could face their future without fear.

Mark mentored many young kids when life threw the challenges and continued mentoring his friends through Toastmasters. In Toastmasters he faced challenges with determination and ultimately became the World Champion of Public Speaking – a contest that starts with 30,000 Toastmasters at a club level and eventually ends at the World Championship!

Mark continues to share his dynamic speaking skills at events around the world; he also mentors many people around the world who aim to follow similar footsteps (or wheel marks).

While facing challenges of life and Education Qld, he was also the Chair of Disabilities Qld to ensure others in similar situations have successes! 

Mark Hunter shared his stories openly and courageously with us.

Urban Angels revisited

Peter Hall and mates come to visit

Dave Woodrow introduced his old mate Peter Hall …. Dave met Peter, Howard George  and others through Maroochydore Rotary and have been personal and Rotary Friends for 30 years about!.
Peter discovered that Urban Angels and Birgit were making meals for the homeless in inadequate conditions, so he acquired a commercial property and fitted it out with a commercial kitchen --- rumoured to be about $500,000 worth!!!  Peter does not seek publicity on the donation or his support and its great to see Brigit again and keeping up her amazing community work that truly "makes a difference."
 
 
Urban Angels provide about 10,000 meals a month to those in need …. And one of their offshoots is they run the kitchen at the IFYS Hub down at the stadium. They have three chefs  and ro0tate them to provide a variety of meals ….. including vegan and vegetarian.   They have even convinced some of their charges to try the vegetarian meals and their clients found they were good and in many cases now look for them as a preference!!!
 
Their neighbour at Maroochydore is Men’s Shed and Men’s Shed grow a whole bunch of fresh herbs, spices and vegies for them.
 
Alex Rotary know Birgit because she ran the Urban Angels café in Newspaper Place Maroochydore and the club went there at least twice for a vocational visit and breakfast and also a breakfast when we visited Push Productions and Paul Morton in November 2017). For the nostalgic readers..here's some pics from not so long ago..
Birgit has agreed that we should come up to Urban Angels for breakfast meeting and vocational visit …. Her comment was give me a few weeks to organise it. This is whats in store if our last visit is anything to go by...

Urban Angels Community Program explained..

 
Helping our Surf Show and Shine beneficiaries
At Alex Rotary we act local to make a difference. While we support all sorts of causes, we particularly want to help local volunteers who may not have access to the big funding that is available from governments and the like.
 
We think that's more effective for a small club like ours, for 2 reasons:
 
1.  Most important, these local volunteers need to know that they are valued. They need to know that they are appreciated and not alone. Their efforts are amazing, and can be relentless and exhausting. We want to help.
 
2. Its more effective. The funds go directly to the volunteers running the cause, and they decide how to best use the funds. 
 
So it you can help our beneficiaries from the Surf Show and Shine please go to these links.
 
 
 
Community Projects
ROMAC Trivia Quiz
 

This year the club are putting two teams into the ROMAC Trivia Quiz. Regular readers will be aware of the glorious history of the club in this event. (??)