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President Usha's Notes
27 January 2021
Dear fellows, Fear never builds the future, but hope does - Joe Biden It is safe, and you can't get safer than safe - Jonas Salk (on Polio vaccine).
With the vaccines now being rolled out in many countries around the world, life is definitely looking brighter. We in Australia look forward to the vaccinations commencing sometime in March, if not earlier. We closed 2020 on marvellous Pride of Workmanship Awards and Christmas evenings. Thanks to many Rotarians who got together to make these evenings memorable. Last meeting of the year was our AGM on 9th December when President-elect Thaya Ponniah announced his new team for 2021-22: President-Nominee Andrew Aravanis, Secretary Nick Hamilton-Kane, Treasurer Rod McDougall, Directors Alexey Prokopenko, Arie Pappas, Rick Vosila, Roy Ellis and Peter Smith. Strathfield Rotary Club is in very safe hands.
No Croquet Traditionally, we would kick start the new year with a game of croquet. However as this was not possible due to Covid 19 safety considerations, we had a virtual social evening last week, as a warm up to the start of the year. The attendance was low but those that did attend enjoyed the chit-chat.
Celebrations This is the year Rotary in Australia turns 100 and celebrates the Centenary with much flair. This is also the year our club turns fifty and celebrates the semi-Centenary or as we would say in Latin the Quinquagenary. With this theme in mind, I was tempted to browse some old issues of "The Rotarian" and ended up back in 1951 (click). As expected, the stories were different but the Rotary humour was amazingly timeless..
True Rotary This is good time to remember the earlier words of RI President Holger Knaack, "Rotary is not a club that you join; it is an invitation to endless opportunities for others and for ourselves. We believe that our acts of service, large and small, generate opportunities for people who need our help, and that Rotary opens opportunities for us to live richer, more meaningful life, with friends around the world based on our core value, Service above Self.
District Conference Let us also spare a thought for our hard working district volunteers. The District Conference coming up on 19-21 March is a face to face event at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Goulburn Street, Sydney. However, if Covid19 prevents a gathering, it would be an equally interesting virtual conference with the same line up of speakers. Registrations are open although the early bird savings are closed. Bookings can be made from our district webpage. For enquiries, call David on 0401 465 898.
Vocational Service month January is Vocational Service month. Vocational service is the essence of Rotary from which we serve the community all around the world. Our district vocational service director explains in details what it means and what we can achieve (see Bulletin)
Australia day Australia day is being celebrated this Tuesday by a wonderful Rotary zoom event which will showcase messages, talks and performances from well known personalities. Hope some of you will be attending.
We recommence our regular meetings today, the 27th January. In keeping with the tradition, this meeting is our bi-annual assembly; an opportunity to discuss our programs and come forward with suggestions. The board members will welcome ideas and answer questions and / or concerns.
Look forward to the meeting you
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Our
First Meeting 2021