Posted by Mark Ellis AM
 Apologies to Frank Sinatra – BUT –
 
“For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself then he has naught
Not to say the things that he truly feels
And not the words of someone who kneels
Let the record shows I took all the blows and did it my way
 
My God – It sounds like my 2 years Presidency!!!
 
Well, the end is near, and I have been in caretaker mode since our terrific changeover on Tuesday 14th. Do I feel relaxed? NO. I feel energised that I can now devote my Rotary time to one issue - Membership. Along with Thelma, I am looking forward to not only looking out for new members, but make our newest members feel relaxed so much that they will throw themselves into the working for the club, and get more fulfilment as a result. I truly feel that we are in for a couple of momentous years with Teresa Liu followed by Mark Howlett. Both have strong leadership capabilities that should, and I expect to surpass my efforts.
 
 
The District Changeover Lunch was held last Saturday at the Hyatt Essendon Fields, with incoming President Amanda Wendt (Rotary Melbourne) taking over the reigns from DG Dale Hoy (Rotary Brighton).  I thank our members for fronting up to this event. Richard Blakeman continued to shine with a District Paul Harris Recognition with 2 Sapphires.  He also was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Rotary Foundation.  Our club won a Community Award for the Super Cluster Rotary 100  Yarra Bank Reserve Playground project  and also a Membership award for our influx of new members.  
 
I note the salvos bread roster is a bit light on - so please consider getting involved.
 
The only event now to conclude my year is - 
 
Camberwell Art Show – Tomorrow - the last Tuesday of my “reign” I want as a social night at the Camberwell Art Show, which is being held at the Advanced Technology Centre of Swinburne University. So, Tuesday night 28th from 6.00 pm onwards. Entry fee is $15, and wine and cheese are provided.  
 
From Murray Anderson   - The Chair of the Camberwell Art Show
“To purchase tickets, please go to the website www.camberwellartshow.org.au and select the Tickets Page. Then select Evening Sessions and choose the appropriate date (in your case 28 June). Can you advise your members that, although we will be able to process cash and credit card payment on the night, we encourage purchasing tickets as above, so we get an idea of numbers for catering purposes.’
 
The plan is then to meet for a meal after. This is our last event for my year – so I will be in party mode!!  If you haven’t seen me in party mode – maybe, you should turn up!!
 
Since the Glenferrie Hotel is just down the road (5 minute walk), I have booked two tables for us to go there at about 0745 pm. I am reassured that we can have a third table if necessary. Thanks for those who have replied and there should be room for more.
 
“And now it is good night from me and its goodnight from him!!”  Apologies to the two Ronnies.  
 
A timely final message from Albert Einstein to herald the new Rotary year “Logic will get you from a to b. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
 
President Mark