Theme for May is Youth Service.
Our new member Simon Messenger gave a superb talk for member’s moments. His varied life experiences show why he is such a multitalented gent. We are very lucky to have him and look forward to his contributions. As always, the best talks come from amongst the diverse nature of our club.
However, I was thinking as a result of his talk on the concept of Rotary as a family. Our club is interested in the wellbeing of every member, and our Board strives to give a chance for every member to participate in our activities. Joining our club ensures you have people who will take an interest in you.
“Every Rotarian is part of the Rotary family – but our family is much larger than just our 1.2 million members. The family of Rotary includes every one of the men, women, and children who are involved in our work: the spouses and children of our members, our Rotary Foundation program participants and alumni, and all of those who are part of our programs, in the tens of thousands of Rotary communities around the world. You can see it in their faces. The joy that spills forth as Rotarians take part in service projects, locally or internationally, says volumes about why more than 1.2 million people around the globe belong to Rotary clubs and are committed to making the world a better place.” Quote.
On that note – We pay our respects to the recent passing of club member John Wisher. John was dragged down by Parkinsonism. Unfair for such a vibrant chap, who was a key figure in our club’s successful District Grant for the Sumba Eye Program (SEP) of $30,000. Enough to round off the equipment required by the SEP to exist. His batik shirts were classic, Tasma and John having lived in Indonesia. We welcome Tasma to come to our meetings and be part of our family. Others no doubt will have other stories to tell about John.
The week that was and coming up;
The Board meets on the Tuesday night coming up (May 4th). There are a surprising number of issues to ponder. Good example of how Rotary never stands still. I will have more to report next musings.
Humanitix Bookings – Please note that we are not using Try bookings for the time being. The profits
from this new program go to community work and so at least our club is supporting these efforts.Foundation Rotary 100 Year Project. This project is creeping up on us. To fully engage this project, we have streamed
lined the activities to 3 major engagements and volunteers to these sub committees are
lined the activities to 3 major engagements and volunteers to these sub committees are- The Opening Ceremony – Richard Blakeman, Thelma Hutchison and Don Heath.
- The Business Breakfast - Gary Stoneham and Teresa Liu
- End Polio Walk – Cheryl Pisterman
Already exc
iting news is that Josh Frydenberg will be a speaker at the Business Breakfast. We cannot let these volunteers work on their own. We will need hands on and “bums on seats” when the time comes. Please watch out for news in the Bulletins coming.
iting news is that Josh Frydenberg will be a speaker at the Business Breakfast. We cannot let these volunteers work on their own. We will need hands on and “bums on seats” when the time comes. Please watch out for news in the Bulletins coming.Multi-District Conference – Saturday May 1st to Sunday 2nd May – I hope everyone made an effort to participate. I did make it to the Sunday sessions. Homelessness, poverty, the term “the new poor” and diversity issues all reflect on how badly our society is heading with even the mention of civil unrest. Rotary needs to continue to set examples to our community that we care and can do!
Changeover – Mark down the Changeover date June 22nd at Kooyong at the usual 6.30 for 7.00 pm. Please mark in your diaries. Invitations out soon. I am working on the format and thanks all for the advice and assistance to date.
President Mark