On Wednesday we had the pleasure of having Malia McMahon, a returning awardee of the recent RYPEN program addressing the meeting about her adventures. I personally and I think most of the Rotarians were very moved by hearing about Malia`s adventures and how bravely she outlined how she and many of our youth have suffered depression and loneliness as a result of the covid shut down and isolation. Congratulations Malia you are a superhero.
Last Wednesday we had a welcome visitor, Gaye Miles, to our meeting. Gaye has indicated she is very keen to join as an associate member.
News from the project shed is the installation of security movement cameras are just about to be installed, many thanks to Andy Bell for his efforts.
We are still trying to finalize alternative date for the change-over luncheon and will advise everyone as soon as a date has been confirmed.
We have been requested to assist at the Brisbane Expo on 21 October for traffic duties and coin collection, which will require a set up on the 20th and all day on the 21st.
Do not forget to register for Johnny Beuti`s Italian Long Lunch on 22 July, an event not to be missed
This coming Wednesday 14th, we'll have a social breakfast at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Meet in the downstairs bistro, from 07:00 am.
Following this, looking for a couple of helpers to sort out a few wheelie bins full of cans and bottles to take to the Cash for Containers recycling centre..
Most people, even of mature age, tend to simply freeze up if they are put in front of a group of people whom they don't know personally and are asked to give a speech. If they are of school age, well…
So it came as a quite refreshing change to see Malia McMahon, just 14 years old, quite confidently get up in front of a bunch of mostly elderly, mostly unsmiling gentlemen [OK, I said mostly, there were some young members as well as ladies there too! ☺ Ed.] and give us a presentation about herself and particularly about her experiences at the recent RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program for Enrichment) camp. RYPEN is for 14 – 16 year olds, ‘designed to develop skills that will assist them in transition to adulthood. She was nominated by the Surfers Paradise SLSC as an emerging leader and sponsored by our Rotary club.
You can download Malia’s full speech, well worth reading, from the Download Section on the right, so I won’t rehash it. But one of the outstanding moments was when she briefly struggled with her emotions. “The CODID-19 lockdown in 2020 was one of the hardest things I’ve probably ever experienced. I experienced frustration… anger… tears… and for the first time in my life… a form of depression.” Malia described the typical symptoms of depression she experienced: lack of motivation to accomplish anything, wanting to do nothing but sleep all day… With a bit of ‘physical close standing by’ from her mum, she quickly recovered herself though. And that is the hallmark of a future leader: the ability to recover, to regain control.
Thank you Malia. That was impressive indeed.
Photo: Malia (right) with the meeting's Chairman, Ashleigh Symes
All tickets for our 'Christmas in July' Italian Long Lunch have been sold well before the official closing date.
'On ya, Johnny, super!
It's on Thursday 22nd July 2021, from 12:00 pm. No idea when it will finish, but don't expect too much change from the afternoon... ☺
There will be plenty of Italian style Christmas dishes. Johnny has secured a major sponsor: My Carte, and a number of corporate tables have been sold as well. The price includes all food, unlimited wine and beer, entertainment. All proceeds go towards the X-Ray Unit and Blood Analyser for Vanuatu. Note: COVID restrictions impose an upper limit of just 120 attendees.
Adrian Crowe was at the door, Ashleigh Symes was Chairman and Andy Bell was Sergeant. We had apologies from Gerald East, Darrell Brown, Johnny Bueti, Graeme Isaacson and Ray Higgs.
Our brand new President Paul Seymour welcomed all members, visitor Gaye Miles (new Associate Member), our Guest Speaker Malia McMahon who was accompanied by her mum Michelle, dad Peter, grandma Shan and sister Tania (not sure if I spelled this correctly…). Paul expressed his thanks to Immediate Past President Charles Thomasson, which resulted in a well deserved spontaneous applause.
The Changeover Luncheon? At that stage not known when we can have it – expect to have an update shortly. He also advised that we have some reconditioned children’s bikes at the Project Shed, which can be donated to deserving families at no charge.
Following our successful fundraiser at the recent Gold Coast Business Expo, we have been invited to participate at the Brisbane Business Expo event on 21-22nd October. Can we raise the personnel?
Following Malia McMahon’s excellent presentation (see separate report above), we moved on to Club Business:
President Paul advised that the recent silent survey had clearly found in favour of retaining the $10.00 fee per ‘formal’ meeting. There is an option to pre-pay all 13 meetings to the end of December for $100.00. An invoice was sent to all members.
Charles Thomasson advised that the ‘Christmas in July Italian Long Lunch’ had almost sold out, but we need more raffle prizes. The question was put whether the club can purchase a major prize? Board decision.
Wheelchair Trust Chairman Larry Murray thanked all members who participated in the previous Saturday’s “working bee”. Sincere apologies to those who turned up, on time, at 08:00 am only to find that the container had been emptied already… yes, some had arrived at 07:00 am! We need a 10 HP compressor at the shed. The old one is on its last legs.
Lutzy Award: This is one of our big events of the year. Marked by a surf ski (valued at $2,500), it will be presented at the breakfast of 4th August 2021.
Duty Roster - note: subject to change - please check every week. Note: Fellowship duty also is expected to be at the Project Shed on the Saturday following the meeting
Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good. Dr Thomas Sowell, US Philosopher.
I just read a book on marriage that says to treat your wife like you treated her on your first date.
So, we'll go out to dinner tonight, then I'll drop her off at her parent's place.
Follow the sacredness. Find out what people believe to be sacred, and when you look around there you will find rampant irrationality.Jonathan Haidt, US Social Psychologist.
This coming Wednesday 14th, we'll have a social breakfast at the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club. Meet in the downstairs bistro, from 07:00 am. 
Most people, even of mature age, tend to simply freeze up if they are put in front of a group of people whom they don't know personally and are asked to give a speech. If they are of school age, well…
All tickets for our 'Christmas in July' Italian Long Lunch have been
