The Members were very happy to see Greg return for this week’s meeting (not that Geoff hadn’t done a good job. Ed.) Greg began the meeting by welcoming our Guest Speaker Clair Button, and her husband Ian, and then running through a few things:
- More attendees are needed at the Kevin Sheedy Breakfast (Sunday 26th);
- Conference numbers in general need to increase. Although it was pointed out that there has been no consideration of a discount for “partial” attendees. (partial being the hours of attendance not the volume of the attendee); and
- As part of our discussions on increasing membership, please send any written ideas to Greg as he knows that some ideas are better conveyed in a letter than standing up in a meeting.
Bob took on the role of Chair and called for the regular reports.
Secretary Mark reiterated the need for a “graphite puffer” for the lock on the Club P.O. box, as he doesn’t want to lose the key in the lock. Volunteers were canvassed and a solution obtained. (In other words I didn’t write down who was going to provide the graphite. Ed)
Mike announced that he would be going on President Elect Training on the 18th and 19th in Traralgon. The artwork for the Market Flyers has been done and they are to be printed. He is also looking at “loosing” delinquent sponsors, i.e. those who haven’t paid for a number of years.
Charles fielded questions on our upcoming Easter Car Show. (which was a bit unfair as the mastermind behind this, Joseph, was absent with tennis injury – knee, not elbow. Ed.):
- A new Flyer will be required;
- The Flyer’s design to be decided;
- The Board has approved the venue – Dromana Drive-in;
- A Market to be included on the day – presumed to be in addition to our regular monthly Market; and
- The theme, and proceeds, will be “Homelessness in our Community”.
Charles also referred to the funds opened by Rotary Foundation for donations to the Pakistan Flood and/or Ukraine disasters.
Harry spoke briefly about re-directing previously allocated funds which were disrupted by the pandemic. The Board will review the options.
Merv now issued fines, which involved an attack on the sartorial decisions made by the majority of members. He also issued a memory test which is a little unfair given the mental age of some of our members (your Ed included). Lotto was drawn and won by Bernard, who will auction the winning bottle at next week’s meeting.
Chris quickly announced that Mike Anderson is doing well and, if the progress continues, he may be able to re-join us later on the year. The meeting applauded this good new and wished him well.
Bob now introduced our Guest Speaker, Clair Button, who is accompanied by her husband Ian. Both Clair and Ian are members at Rotary Chelsea. Clair’s subject was Demystifying Diabetes.
Clair informed us that:
- Living with Diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to stop living;
- Depression is common because the condition takes over your life;
- Nowadays we manage the “condition”, especially in Teens;
- There are a number of myths around diabetes and ways to adapt to the condition;
- The easiest way to put on weight is to go on a diet because it puts unreasonable pressure on sustainability;
- Make sustainable lifestyle changes;
- Empowerment makes changes possible, but Swap not Stop;
- Exercise is good because it stimulates the body to make insulin naturally; and
- Make simple changes for exercise such as walking and keeping it repetitive;
- Diabetes is not a cause of death , only a contributing factor;
- Podiatrists are essential for good foot maintenance;
- Kidney complications are rare.
- There are 34 different types of Diabetes;
- Type 1 Diabetes is when the pancreas doesn’t make insulin whereas Type 2 is when the body becomes resistant to the insulin it is making. There is good and bad insulin;
- Diabetes drugs may potentially protect from Dementia;
- Multiple blood test are necessary to monitor the onset and maintenance of the condition;
- New, Real-time monitoring is making a big difference to living with the condition;
- The first meal of the day starts your hunger cravings, so make sure it is at the right time and quality. Keep a balanced diet;
- Fatty Liver is a liver that doesn’t metabolise well; and
- If you have diabetes and use insulin it must be recorded on your licence.
Clair took further questions from the members but, eventually, she was allowed to sit and have her desert. Then she was interrupted for a photo (by your Ed.) as Bob thanked her on behalf of the Club.
Greg announced that we may attempt a Zoom-enabled meeting next week.
Another interesting meeting finished around 8:10.
(By the way, your Ed would like to point out that any deviation from fact this week and any other weeks is purely his fault and probably due to his not being able to read his own scribbled notes. Apologies.)
An interesting meeting finished around 8:10.
