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A Note from the President …
Although the impact
of the international financial system crisis will no doubt be
reduced by the US rescue package of USD$700b, the problem is far
from over. Many analysts and commentators have compared the
current economic woes to the 1920’s recession. Even as President
Bush signs the rescue package, the share market falls, reflecting
the market’s concern that the package will not be enough to stave
off a recession – or worse, a global financial system meltdown.
These are not pleasant thoughts but the dangers are all too real.
In the coming years, or even a decade or more, everyone is faced
with a very challenging time ahead. Some of us will be able to
weather the storm with relative ease, others will not be so
lucky.
Rotarians are
generally luckier than most in our community but faced with a
challenge of this magnitude, we cannot assume that we’ll all be
unaffected. We all know that the single most important reason for
joining Rotary is the opportunity to serve the community. We
should not, however, forget that our members are also part of our
community. In the difficult times ahead, we should not only
consider helping others. We should also be a pillar of support
for our fellow members. Our fellowship is one of the best gifts
we can give to our fellow members and we all should cherish this
treasure which we all share. Of course, I wish a recession will
not come to pass but we should brace ourselves for the looming
financial crisis. Our services to the community are more needed
than ever before and we’ll need to stand firm and support each
other and make a real difference in our community – together.
Yours in Rotary,
Gabe
Last Week's
Meeting
Thanks to Diane for fabulous scribes notes.
Meeting 454 Date: 30/9/2008
Announcements:
* Membership information night to be held 21st October - please
advise prospective names to Barbara.
* Wine Sales/Fundraiser. Not much left to buy - 2 dozen Heathcote
Shiraz and 1 dozen clean skins to suit the bargain hunters. Contact
Phillip Archer.
* Homeless Best & Fairest Awards Night - Tracey will advise further
details soon.
* President Gabe advised of our Club's General Meeting scheduled for
next week.
* Tuesday week will be a Fellowship evening out at the Italian
Waiters Club to enjoy some good food & wine.
* Please advise Wendy and Lyn of time available to assist out with
our contribution to the RC of Albert Park's book fair next weekend.
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Corporal Lyn was promoted to Sergeant. Lyn started by extracting $$
from the tragic football followers amongst us.
Members Moment
Chris and Helen Trueman have recently returned from more than 5
weeks travelling in South America. Chris regaled us with some
highlights of their trip. Sightseeing in the Amazon jungle; hiking
the Inca trail to Macchu Picchu; seeing the stunning sights of Lake
Titicaca and then visiting their daughter and family currently based
on the Galapagos Isles. Chris told us about the unique wildlife and
gave us a brief insight into the Galapagos geography -unstable
islands where some are sliding into the ocean and other new islands
are emerging.
Gordon introduced our Guest Speaker - Gabe's better half .... Dr
Aurora Poon. Aurora is involved in the Austin Hospital's Nuclear
Medicine and PET scan programs using radioactive isotopes for
diagnostic and therapeutic use. These can be administered by oral,
intravenous or intradermal means to diagnose or treat a myriad of
conditions. Some areas covered are heart / blood supply problems,
fractures, cancer and in brain death studies of dementia related
problems. Do all the frequent air travellers know that we subject
ourselves to higher levels of radiation whilst flying than staying
on the ground - preferably at sea level?
President Gabe's final thoughts for Tuesday night were -
1. Friendships improve happiness - Rotary makes friends.
2. Continued financial crisis - you're stuck with debt if you can't
budget it (or did Gabe mean budge it?)
Albert Park Book Fair Working
Bee
Saturday October 4th
Despite the fact that they could have gone for a nice walk
along the beach instead, some members devoted part of their
precious weekend time to sort, pack, resort, repack,
bag in, bag out, load, unload and re
arrange 1000nds of Children's books
 to
be sold at the upcoming Book Fair at Albert Park and other
Rotary events..
A "Big Thank
You" to everybody
who helped with
that!
 
 
 
 And
as you can see .....who works hard deserves rewards like
Cookies, Cake, Coffee, Tea, Drinks.......
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