Presidential Musings for the Week

Posted by Mark Ellis AM
President's Message
It is a pity that we have more cancellations to our fundraisers. In the last week, we have the cancellation of the Lift the Lid dinner Oct 5th and the rescheduling of the Rotary 100 year playground project, now set for November 21st. It is beyond our control. No meetings at Kooyong. We don’t realised how lucky we are to have each other in a club to relate too, even if over electronic media.
 
The American Management expert Gary Hamel states “Why is it that the essence of our humanity, our desire to reach beyond ourselves, to touch others, to do something that matters, to leave the world just that little bit better is so often not realised at work?”  It is because people don’t think and act to follow it through. 

My take on it is that we are so committed to helping our community, we feel a bit stifled by the constant lockdown and isolation, preventing us forging ahead with plans. 

I note in my patients an underlying demise in their mental health and increased anxiety. My practice is becoming a social hub for many as an excuse to get out of the single unit dwelling. Some whose spouses have recently died or the family pet that has gone, have felt especially vulnerable.

We must remain strong and positive to provide leadership in our community. Rotarians are very positive resilient people and even though you are all being tested, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Look for positive aspects. We can still conduct the Farmer’s Market, which continues to top up our financing of projects and the Chances program.  

My major worry is that our state will run out of vital medications. I am already seeing that eye drops I have used since a “youngster” are getting hard to source. Cross fingers life will improve!!
 
Issues current – 
 
The Board meets tomorrow night and so issues can be sorted out.
Note that the Grand Official Opening of the Yarra Bank reserve playground is being postponed again from Sunday Sept 12th to Nov 21st. Hopefully all playgrounds will be open so we can celebrate the tremendous amount of work this project has generated. Please watch the Bulletin for announcements.
 
October 5th and 26th – Are events set aside to be our club’s effort to raise money for Lift the Lid – Rotary Mental Health. The Oct 5th dinner at Kooyong is postponed and now we await to see if the 26th as a golf day is definite. Elizabeth is a dynamo and a worthy Rotarian to assist and follow. It is great to see someone with so much passion in action. Please watch the bulletin for details. Lockdowns may spoil the arrangements, but we must go on in spite and hope that life just gets better. Life is about being optimistic.
 
Be positive!!
 
President Mark