Happenings at last week’s Meeting
The Meeting was started, by Wayne, with the usual Toast and Invocation. He briefly welcomed the Guest Speaker Toni Arfaras and her driver Kirsti Copress. The Chair for this week was Geoff, and he read out the apologies and then handed the Meeting over to Toni.
Toni introduced herself as a stroke survivor, hence her need for a driver. She has joined the Stroke Foundation as a volunteer and travels around to talk about strokes and the work of the Foundation.
The Foundation was established with the following aims:
- To prevent strokes;
- To save lives;
- To enhance recovery; and
- To support and encourage research.
Toni pointed out that the incidence of stroke is increasing, with the greater increase in rural areas. Globally it is estimated that one in four people will suffer a stroke.
There are two major types of strokes. Those caused by a blockage (4 out of 5), and those caused by a bleed in the brain. How a stroke effects a person depends on where in the brain it occurs and how big it is. It can affect a person’s body, their emotions, and the way they think. It can cause muscle weakness, and problems with speaking, memory, hearing or vision.
There are also things called Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA). These are like mini strokes, and the signs can go away in a few minutes. Never ignore a stroke or a TIA.
Standard signs of a stroke are:
- Face (drooped?);
- Arms (can’t be raised?);
- Speech (slurred or confused?); and
- Time (is critical! Call 000).
A healthy lifestyle is the best prevention against a stroke:
- Have regular health checks;
- Eat well;
- Stay active;
- Avoid alcohol; and
- Be smoke free.
After a brief Q&A with the Members, Geoff presented Toni with a small souvenir and our thanks for taking the time to present to the Club.
Lotto was drawn (and won by your Ed).
Geoff now called for Directs Reports.
Chris gave a brief callout for volunteers to the Market.
Geoff announced that the Hillview working bee was a success.
Next, Wayne gave a brief Secretary’s Report, noting that the new Meeting Responses regime is working well and our next meeting is a social night.
Harry now recommended that all Members take the time to read the latest Rotary Down Under magazine. He noted that the Governor General is the patron for Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS). He also pointed out that the RDU magazine is somewhere the Club should advertise our various projects.
There was no Fines session.
Geoff thanked all Members for attending. The Meeting was then closed at 8:05.
The May Market
As the clouds parted and the sun came out, so did the crowds. The band was back and a great hit.
A Tiny House Notice
Opening on Friday 12th of June at 12 noon at the Salvation Army church grounds, Corner of Eastbourne Rd and Melaleuca Ave Capel Sound 3940. The House is now ready. Congratulations to Simon, Greg and all the Club helpers.
