Happenings at last weeks’ meeting
Greg began the meeting by proposing the toast and then welcoming our main Guest, Zoe He. As is usual he then ran through a number of topics:
- He requested a special effort be made to raise funds for the Turkey/Syria Earthquake victims. A discussion ensued and three methods were prioritised - Changing the Donations Button on the Web Site and Bulleting, Distributing Collection Buckets around local shops/businesses, and Updating the notices on our Spinners;
- Feedback from Parks Vic regarding upgrading the walking track under the Eagle Chairlift has been negative. Greg announced that “the fight begins”; and
- On the 21st Feb at 10:00 a donated shower Unit will be donated to Southern Peninsular Community Support at 78 Pt. Nepean Rd. Greg commended this as an initiative we should look at.
Before proceeding with the rest of the meeting, Greg presented a certificate of appreciation to Zoe He for her ongoing support for Rotary Mental Health’s “Lift the Lid” project.
Rick was Chair for the evening and called on Secretary Mark for his report.
Secretary Mark started by thanking Chris for getting the Club P.P. Box “puffed”. The Board Minutes are published on the Club Web site. And finally, the Mt Eliza Rotary Club are having a Golf Day on 17th March at the Frankston course, with the proceeds going to Interplast and First Responders.
Rick read out the meeting apologies and then called on Chris to deliver this week’s TMG (Three Minute Gig for those who have forgotten).
The topic of Chris’ talk was Long Term Friendships. He has a group of friends who met at school when they were 12 years old. Every month since they have separated they meet for a chat. One is in Perth while the others are all still in the UK. The use of Zoom has enhanced their get-togethers immeasurably. The group started as 8 and they have only lost one. However, they were all able to attend their friends funeral in a church in Wales, once again thanks to Zoom. Strong friendships mean that their catch-ups are like they were together just yesterday and this strength keeps them together even after disasters strike.
On behalf of the meeting Rick thanked Chris for heart-warming TMG.
Now was time for the Lotto and Fines session.
Lotto was won by Lyn and Merv dug into birthdays and Rotary Anniversaries to gouge cash out of the unfortunate. Bernard auctioned off his winnings from last week and the not-very-brisk bidding was won by Harry.
Next, Rick called for Directors reports.
Joseph reminded all about the Car Show on the 8th April at the Dromana Drive-in. It is already on Social media and he asked that everyone passes it on. Volunteers will be required from 10:00 am.
Lyn spoke about a Dromana Secondary College student, Noah, who has canvassed the Club for sponsorship to a World Challenge on a Fraser Island Leadership trip. After a discussion the meeting decided to offer Noah a donation for working at our Community Market.
Harry announced that he is working with District to leverage grants based on our contributions to RAWCS (Rotary Australia World Community Service) projects.
Questions were invited from the floor:
- Rob expected that Zoom will be employed at the next meeting;
- It was suggested that up and down communication be improved by members putting their questions to Committee heads who could then pass them on to the board, instead of e-mails “flying around”; (your Ed. poking his head up again)
Merv questioned the current positioning of the Rotary BBQ at the Market. Apart from placing the Rotary signage in a prominent position he felt that it did not help with sales. His thoughts will be taken up by the Market Committee.
Greg thanked Zoe and all the attendees and the meeting finished around 8:10.
