Presidential Musings for the Week

Posted by Mark Ellis AM
President's Message

Cyclists always say, “Where there is a down there is an up (as in a hill)”.  We actually like a down so we can speed up and cringe on the uphill.  Very rarely is a ride flat and easy.  In our real life there are “ups” and downs”.  This week there was a “downer” with the announcement of tightening of restrictions.  However, that will not stop our first face to face meeting on February 9th with our BBQ gathering.  John Hudson and Lynette Spencer are busy organising a lovely night.  Janet and I are looking forward to meeting all the members and partners again.  The weather predictions are good for a lovely night, where sunglasses will be a necessity.

Our first dinner gathering on Feb 16th will be looking at our new project in line with the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Program (RORP). In the future we will require volunteers to be physically involved with this project so “listen up” and watch the Bulletin for details.  We have our Councillor Wes Gault (Glenferrie Ward Councillor) and his partner Jane, addressing us in our normal meeting on Feb 23rd.  

 
Meeting Duties – Now that we are getting back to normal, please do not forget that there are rostered duties i.e., cashier, so please assist John Suriano in doing your duty or getting someone to take your place.
 
Farmer’s Market – The fortnightly market has started in February.  Please look at volunteering.  The process on the day has been stripped down, as outlined in prior musings.
 
Rotary Leadership Course – I am not aware of anyone taking up this offer.  This is a good opportunity for experienced Rotarians, new members and indeed people interested in finding out more about Rotary.  Rotary is interested in building Leaders and this is a good example of its commitment to provide an educated assistance to our future men and women, who will be the leaders in our club and in our community.  It is online, there is no charge but only 25 spaces.  Please look at the Bulletin for further information.
 
Membership issues – It has come to my attention that there are a couple of members who have not paid their membership fees for this year.  Even though we were not meeting physically, the club still has to pay for each member to Rotary International and insurances.  This is all based on the number of members.  So, the recalcitrant members are costing our club.  It is not fair for our treasurer Thelma to continually chase these few people and it is not fair for others to carry these people.  Instalments have been offered.  Naturally, the notion of staying in the club has to be discussed.
 
Board Meeting – Tonight the Board meets for the first time in 2021, so I have not much to say at present.
 
Fingers crossed we are all back to normal in February.
 
 
 
 
President Mark