I am very proud of our collective achievements over this Rotary year. Participation brings many rewards, and I think many of us enjoyed the year, from spending time with our Rotary friends to working in the service of others.

 

I have just finished compiling our Annual Report, and even with COVID getting in the way, we did a significant number of activities and made a difference to our community. 

Overall, the year went close to expectations, although I had hoped it might have fitted more with the theme set in my 2020-21 President's Plan.

 

I was hoping that we would see the year out with a bang, but after low numbers booked for our last meeting forced our caterer to cancel, it was more of a whimper. Nevertheless, it is good to have the pressure taken off to get people to meetings. Now it does not matter.

So a big thank you to all the Rotarians who helped make a difference in our community this year. Let's hope for bigger things to come next year!

 

 

As a result of the major damage caused by the recent storm in the Dandenongs, many people are still without power and heat.  Although emergency services and the ADF are working around the clock to assist those affected, AUSNET have advised that it could be a further three weeks before power is restored, due to the major damage to the electricity supply network.

 

There are people asking for thermals of all sizes…babies, toddlers and up to adults, as they are really feeling the cold without electrical power for heating.  It would be terrific if we could organise an emergency warm clothing drive with a drop off in Berwick. possibly at my house.  We could then deliver the warm clothing to the relief centres to provide immediate relief.

 

Although the roads to the hardest hit areas are closed to the public, there are drivers going to the Kalorama Hub daily.  We could liaise with the Rotary Club of Emerald to have the clothes delivered to where they are most needed.

 

Let me know if you can assist in any way by providing warm clothing in any size.

 

Sam McCurdy

 

 

 

Graham Johnstone will take over the editorial role for Spoke 'n' Word in the 2021-2022 Rotary year. 

 

Graham has had several years experience as editor of Spoke 'n' Word using Word, but admits that using ClubRunner will present a new challenge.