How good it was to see 30 people online Monday evening.
And from messages I have received – I wasn’t the only one frustrated and struggling with the internet, and ‘dropping out’.
Joining us was Past District Governor Phil Beasley, Judy Beasley, President Beryl McMillan from the Rotary Club of Geelong, Past President David Carlyle from the Rotary Club of Grovedale/Waurn Ponds and Lea Clements Membership Director of the Rotary Club of Rizal West in the Philippines.
We welcomed Judy to present a program very dear to both herself and PDG Phil – Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This program was heavily promoted and gained a lot of momentum last year as the District Governor and Partner project.
This very worthwhile project resulted in Phil and Judy been presented with a cheque for $30,000, being the funds raised from the clubs in District 9780.
Well done to you both.
It was interesting to see what some of the clubs in our district have continued to do to help and promote literacy in the Aboriginal Communities.
It is looking like Cowrie Markets may not proceed again this year – or not for at least the first few months – it is a ‘wait and see’ here.
Feed me Surf Coast are looking for delivery drivers. With the ongoing, and increasing demand, on their services – more drivers are required.
We have had Allan and Tom help out (Thanks Guys!)
The contact person is Peter McMahon.
If you are able to assist – or require further information, please contact Peter on
PALZ is a program set up by PDG Cathy Roth. Cathy has attended some clubs around Geelong, as their meeting speaker, and has more to speak to, letting people know of this program and awareness. The program is Professionals with Alzheimers. You can make tax deductable donations … further details later in the bulletin.
I have been contacted by Matthew Richardson, Manager of Lifeline, who (through the book fair) we have a good association with.
We are all aware of the impact over the past 16 months and increasing demand on individuals and difficulties some are experiencing.
We have all been invited to join in on an online session – Accidental Councillor Course.
This teaches basic skills to help deal with people in crisis. Details are later in the bulletin.
On Monday we commence using ‘TEAMS’ as our online meeting platform.
Please see information below Howard has put together.
Torquay Rotary Teams Meetings
Torquay Rotary board has moved to adopt Teams for online club meetings. In essence the online meeting experience is rather similar to zoom with some differences. The Teams meeting is part of Microsoft 365 which has been donated to the club by Microsoft and has a range of other applications including document storage and management. This will provide the board and committees with powerful tools to plan and manage projects and events.
To Join a Teams Meeting
You will be sent a link along with the date and time for a meeting. At the meeting time click on the link.
There are two main choices:
- Join using the web browser – which is quick and easy, requiring no downloads. Click here for more details.
- The other options are to download or use the Teams App (on any device) – which does provide a better experience and is free. Click here for detailed instructions.
Looking forward to everyone joining the meeting on teams next Monday night. The meeting will be to assist everyone get online and to answer any questions and try out some of the features.
We strongly recommend everyone who is able join us on Monday, via the link you have been sent for this meeting.
Cathy Roth speaking on PALZ
Cathy Roth OAM, Past DG, Charter member of R.C. of Geelong Central 1990. She was also their first President in 1990, which also made her one of the first Female Presidents in Australia. I stand corrected. Cathy was the First Female President in Australia. Also one of the first in the world(1987 in the U.S. was the first female Pres).
If you know Cathy, you will know she is a quiet achiever. Not one to ask for help which was evident when she spoke to our club on Wednesday night.
On a night when representatives form 6 other clubs joined us on Zoom, we were lucky enough to hear Cathy not only speak about PALZ, but why she saw a need for such a group.
If you Google Cathy Roth or PALZ, there is a day’s reading, so I have included just a few insights into PALZ and The Roths.
If you would like a copy of Cathy’s Power point contact David Carlyle
After the presentation we opened up to questions, which continued on for 45 minutes. No one cared, no one left. We all got involved, it was open, honest and thought provoking.
If you have a family history of Dementia in any of its forms, you would be silly not to discuss it with a Health Professional. Cathy is only a phone call or an email away. Whilst she will not provide you with the answers, she will certainly point you in the right direction.
Would you like to help Cathy, John and PALZ.
You can, simply make a donation (which is tax deductable).
Or buy a badge with this logo for $5 or more if you feel generous.
Start the discussion.
After discussions with Cathy, it has been agreed that the R.C of Grovedale Waurn Ponds will collect the funds. We will then pass on the details to PALZ who will issue the Receipt for your tax deduction.
Unfortunately for PALZ to collect the money they need to have a full time administration person. Something they cannot afford.
The contact person will be David Carlyle:-
If you or your club would like to support Cathy, John and PALZ, by buying a badge/s, touch base with David.
We are happy to receive donations.
Payments may be made into the GWP Rotary Account.
BSB 633000
A/c 108810045.
You will then need to email David Carlyle with your Name, Date and Amount. Please include a phone number in case a problem arises. We all know nothing is fool proof.
When his parents had Alzheimer’s, John said, “I’m doomed,” and that got me mad because I’m a fighter. That’s why I set up PALZ [Professionals with Alzheimer’s]. From John’s late 50s onwards, I’d tell him things and he’d say, “You didn’t tell me that!” I thought, “Maybe I’m going batty.”
The formal diagnosis was mid-2015. His head dropped; it was the fulfilment of his worst fears. He left work that day. I was broken-hearted. I am still.
It’s such a cruel and undignified death sentence, because it strips a person of their amazingness. You want to shout to the world, “The person I see is caring, beautiful, intelligent – and you’re pitying them! How dare you?” It has made me more protective, which has altered the relationship. You’re no longer working as two halves of a whole.
Our Mission:
Empowering high achievers with dementia through social and intellectual stimulation.
To ensure all high-achievers with dementia are able to maintain dignity and respect through active participation and interaction within a social and intellectually stimulating environment.
President Michael 
