Posted by Andrew Crockett
Locking down and looking out
 
Who would have thought when we met last week that we would be back in full lockdown?  With so many cases infectious in the community this time, Lockdown 6 seems likely to be extended beyond seven days.
 
How is everyone coping?  Lockdown will be affecting our members in different ways.  Those in the workforce, particularly those running their own business, while no doubt well practised in ‘pivoting’ to lockdown mode face different challenges to those of us no longer working for a living.  Our thoughts are particularly with those members whose businesses must close because they cannot be conducted online; those providing medical and allied health services, and those members living alone and missing the companionship of family and friends.  
 
It is hard not to feel despondent when the light at the end of the Covid tunnel still seems a long way off and the prospect of further periods of lockdown seems inevitable.  At these times it is important that as members of the Rotary family we look out for those who may need support, and reach out to each other if we need support ourselves. 
 
 
 
‘Lonely is not being alone, it’s the feeling that no one cares’ - Anonymous
 
 
Board meeting 10 August
The Board meets today by Zoom and I’ll report on the outcome at the Club meeting next week.  
 
Special business on the agenda includes appointing a nominating committee to recommend the composition of the Club’s Board for Rotary year 2022/23; the possible recommencement of monthly evening meetings, and the method of appointing Honorary Members. 
  
One of the nominating committee’s tasks will be to find someone to take on the role of President next year.  We are also looking for someone to act as President-nominee this year, President-elect next year and President the following year 2023/24.  
 
 
Forthcoming events
Covid restrictions permitting, the opening of the Rotary Centenary Park Playground at Yarra Bank Reserve will take place on Sunday 12 September from 12 noon to 3:00 pm.
 
Next week’s Club meeting will almost certainly be by Zoom.  Our guest speaker will be author, humourist, journalist and maths blogger, Kerry Cue.  Invitations will be sent out later this week.
 
Stay safe and well and I look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
 
 
Thought for the Week"
This week’s wise words come from Epictetus, a Greek philosopher of the ‘Stoic’ school.
 
  "Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."
 
Stoicism is notable for the fact that three of its best-known practitioners came from very different social backgrounds.  They were Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius; Lucius Seneca, playwright, philosopher, and imperial advisor whose influence helped ensure competent government during the early years of Emperor Nero’s reign; and Epictetus who was born into slavery, suffered years of physical mistreatment and eventually attained his freedom. As a result, Stoicism provides timeless principles to guide actions regardless of one’s circumstances in life.  
 
Epictetus taught that promoting resilience and strength of character was an antidote to suffering and living a better life in times of difficulty. Philosophy for him was not just a subject of theoretical debate, lectures and speculation but had real, practical application to help the lives of everyday people who chose to practice it.