GREETINGS ROTARIANS AND FRIENDS
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
The members last week (a small but enthusiastic number) enjoyed a most informative talk from Margaret Barry from the Bali Children Foundation. Margaret helped to set up the Foundation after the Bali bombing as she saw the need for education from an early age to help prevent the radicalisation of young people in the country. A collaboration between our Mornington Rotary and the Seminyak Rotary helped provide 42 computer tablets to children there to help with their numeracy and literary. A great project.
No doubt we all enjoyed a lively and pleasant night at Toorak College for our Christmas breakup on Monday. It was terrific to hear Talia Cooke, our Indigenous Health scholar, talk of her medical studies and work in the Gippsland area and no doubt she will go on to be a great asset in whatever field she chooses. It was also great that Ross showed an entertaining video of the Santa Train ride last Saturday and a brilliant job again was done by Brian and Jenny Mann - they are stars! Congratulations again to Ross who was awarded the Community Leadership Award 2025 by the Committee for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. So well-deserved.
Ross has reminded all members that every day this week there is an opportunity to help with cleaning or painting at the Ranch 2.0 units; come along for a morning or afternoon of chat and camaraderie whilst helping get the Units ready for a family to move in, hopefully before Christmas. The Christmas spirit is what it is all about. Even 4 or 5 hours of your time would be appreciated.
We are now working on Units 6 and 5 and hope to have them ready for someone to move in by Christmas. (unit 4, the last one, will not be vacated until the new year).
If you would like to help, or know someone who would, there will be someone there each week day morning, for the next two weeks, at 9am and often into the afternoons. (if you prefer the afternoon just text me to be sure, or if you want to do weekends). No need to reply, just turn up. There is plenty of painting and cleaning and miscellaneous tasks that can be done.
You will have all now received the Art Show rosters for January. If you cannot attend one of the sessions, it is important that you advise Kaye if it is for the daily roster, or Barb Parkinson if it is for the Bump in/Bump Out days, Opening Night or setting up days. Please do this in the next week or so as a revised, final roster will be sent out early January.
The Bays Hospital are holding a wonderful raffle at the moment with great prizes, so if you are nearby, please pop in and grab some tickets.
Again, this is what the Christmas spirit is all about.
Another reminder about the Picnic in the Park on Wednesday, 7th January at 5.00 p.m. in Mornington Park. Grab some nibbles, drinks and a sunhat and you're all set!
Have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year and remember to count your blessings - we are so fortunate.
President Jo
