Presidential Musings for the Week

Posted by Mark Ellis AM
President's Message

Well – Here we go again back on zoom, but is this such a bad thing? Zoom has kept our club alive and kicking. It has given us a chance to communicate, where we are in the situation that we cannot meet as a face to face meeting. So, our Rotary culture has adopted and is flexible enough to swap between electronic and “face to face” meetings. I adore how we readily have accepted into our lifestyle and language the words “zoom” and “face to face”. A couple of years ago those words would hold different significance. Also, that face masks are becoming a fashion accessory!!  I still have problems picking my patients in the waiting room – since robbers wear masks for a particular different reason!!  

So, a social experiment of a “sing a long” at our last meeting was particularly a bit of a flop since I couldn’t sort out why my TV sound couldn’t convey onto the zoom platform. However, it did give credence to much involvement of the members present. It was pleasing to see guests come on board and I can only hope I didn’t scare them off with the “sing a long”. Singing is good for mental health – so I am pleased we tried that avenue.

My prediction is that we are in for more lockdowns which will reduce in frequency as summer approaches. For a numbers game, Kooyong Tennis Club must protect its members and so if the government gives a restriction on numbers, our meetings will be the first to be postponed. That is why I have asked members to explore alternative arrangements for a social night if we lose the Kooyong TC booking. We need to be flexible. Some members argue, in front of others, that a good speaker on zoom meeting will build an audience. However, we have noted a slow decline in members coming on zoom over the last year. Please, reconsider and join in to keep our club alive.
 
A great way to get out of social isolation is to be involved in the Farmer’s Market and Salvo Bread run. Good excuses to get out of your home for a few hours. The Farmer’s Market is still full steam ahead and we need your assistance in volunteering. Come down and say “Hello”.
 
Current issues – 
Volunteering for the Farmer’s Market.  Asking people to voluntarily put their name in the roster isn’t working. The numbers required has been pared down per roster. For next year, there will be an allocation to ALL club members. It is an obligation of being a club member to help, since the Farmer’s Market is the reason, we can subsidize many of our events, with less out of pocket to you (The Changeover price is a good example of how we could keep ticket prices lower than many other changeover events). This decision will not be popular but is important. I have requested that a choice be allowed like in the “old days”.  People not able to make up will have to find an equivalent volunteer. This should start in January onwards.
 
Note that the Grand Official Opening of the Yarra Bank reserve playground is being postponed to Sunday Sept 12th from August.  Same time, same set up.  Luckily the Mayor and our DG, Dale Hoy can be in attendance for this gala opening.  
 
October 5th – There will be a larger fundraiser for Lift the Lid, masterminded by our club member Elizabeth Dumonic. It will be at Kooyong Tennis Club and plans are in the making already. Elizabeth has the Board’s backing in this adventure. She also has great ideas to compliment this night. You will note the tent for LTL at the Farmer’s Market – I believe popcorn is the next adventure?  Also, look out for the golfing venue to raise money for LTL.  Elizabeth is on a roll!  Please support your fellow club members.
 
President Mark