Hi all and welcome to the latest lock down news! We are all rolling with the punches here.
Personally, nearly back to normal numbers in my surgery and now we are “paused”. My staff have been amused at the many variations of wearing a face mask. Cover nose or not. Cover moustache and nose only. Doubled up over lips only. Please make sure the mask fits over the nose and mouth. In many there is a metal filament designed to go over the contour of the nose and stop leak up into the eyes. Can assist stopping misting of glasses. Better get used to it since we are in for a long haul. I think an enterprising Rotarian should design a Rotarian face mask? Maybe for Glenferrie Rotary?? A community project??
The Board met this week...
It is sad to receive and accept Bob Carey’s resignation. After several years of service to our club and Rotary, he is moving on. We will all miss him. I remember his member’s moments talking about his life and orthopaedic surgery. As I pointed out after Alex Marshall’s excellent “Member behind the badge talk”, the best doctors have always had a roundabout experience prior to settling down.While on the subject, congratulations to Alex for that talk. This is a continued demonstration of the wealth of experience and expertise within our ranks.
Now back to our board meeting! Rest assured your board is not taking COVID lying down. The “young” or better to say “fresh” board members are actively getting into their portfolios but the lockdown will play havoc with what we will achieve. Cancelling the July Market was not a big help for our finances. I have had to reduce each area of services’ budgets in accordance but have promised to relook at this situation if we can get back on our feet. Our Market (our ingenuity and effort) has made our club strong.
Three major issues to deal with are the SAG results, Constitution and the Rotary Youth Declaration forms. The first two are going to be dealt with via sub committees and then presented to the general members. Please help get Rotary District off my back by filling in the Rotary Youth Declaration Forms. I have mentioned this many a time and will start to ring defaulting members. A task that I do not relish. The problem is that this is a requirement to ensure the individual and the club are covered by Rotary insurance. If you are sued – you will not be covered by Rotary insurance (as has been explained to me). I have emailed some members and please check with Richard Blakeman, our Protection Officer, to see if you are a defaulter.
Our Club Service area is working overtime. David Fallick’s wealth of connections is paying dividends and we have a great array of interesting speakers lined up. I do appreciate everyone coming online to support us. Last week we had a sing a long in the time leading into the meeting. Maybe tune in to see what other eccentric acts will occur – let your curiosity flow!!!!
On a brighter note there is a picnic hamper for a silent auction (see separate article). Please get involved and no $1 offers. This is a spin off from our effort with the bushfire rehabilitation. I hope we can go down and assist more. My experience in the “eye world” of charities is that they are great for going in with a big stick but often fail to follow up. Rotary should be ideal to provide follow up.
An activity to do in COVID times and raise money for a Rotary project. This film tells the story of the Donydji Community - one of our 1200 Indigenous Homelands in Australia. HOMELAND STORY is a moving portrait of a resilient and determined community facing the challenges of maintaining their Homeland and preserving their vibrant culture. Please see the separate article in this Bulletin. The film should bring tears to your eyes, which unfortunately trachoma stops in affected individuals!!! Did you know that a simple face washing everyday reduced the effect of trachoma? Such simple measures demonstrate how public health issues can be addressed easily by Rotary. Remember that the original Rotary club - in Chicago - spent money on public toilets and water fountains on its first project over 100 years ago.
Well - enjoy your week. Remember that being a Rotarian is not an excuse, but a position to be proud of and a shining example to our community that “WE CARE”.
Mark