July Theme: No designation.
Lookout Reserve Maintenance Roster: TBA
Report of Meeting: 18/7/2017.
Visitors: Mary & Stuart Schofield, Patsy Holland, Heather Grimmett, Alan Barber, Ron & Henny Walsh, Robyn & Phil Edwards, Kerrie Bedson, Jenny Carr, Ty Simmons & mare Simmons, Yvonne Hargreaves RI Drysdale, Sue Van Every RI Drysdale, Tiffany Shih and her father Cheng-Chung Shih RI Taipei Gardens, PDG Stephen Lamont Anita Long, Jenny Wilson.
Rachael and Professor David Finkelstein (Guest Speaker.)
Notices and Reports: President John asked that people who are rostered on for meeting duties to please arrive early enough to assist with setting up. Thank you.
- Remember that the policy of no apology, no show will earn an invoice for the meal.
- Membership fees are due. $210.00. John Paton or Noel Emselle will accept them happily and with grace.
- The AGM of the Ocean Grove Community Association will be held at 7pm, 27th July followed by an address by Sarah Henderson MP.
Fundraising: Volunteers are needed for the manning of the gates at the Geelong and District Finals matches. This is a good fundraiser for the Club. See Peter Cullen for more information.
Art Show Sub Committee: Meeting this week
,
Planning is progressing on schedule.
Membership: A meeting will be held on August 2nd targeting people who may be interested in becoming Rotarians. If you know of someone please let John Calnin or Rod Bush know. Board members will attend.
Footy Tipping: Rod Greer won this week. Geoff Ford is the leader of the competition.
Vocational: Several activities are planned: See Bulletin next week.
Guest Speaker: Prof David Finkelstein.
Before introducing Prof Finkelstein Richard Grimmett described many of the symptoms and problems of living with Parkinson's disease indicating how research into improving life functions is so necessary.
Professor Finkelstein works as a research scientist at the Florey Institute in Melbourne and amongst many appointments is Chairman of the Board of Parkinson's Victoria.
There are 27,000 people with the condition in Victoria and with the increase in the ageing population this figure is expected to double. He believes it is essential that further research on a broad basis must be continued.
He outlined the Vision held by the community and Board working on this condition.
- A World without Parkinson's disease.
- Help for today promotes hope for tomorrow.
- Support and undertake research that facilitates and improves the quality of life outcomes for sufferers and their families.
- Find a cure.
He has produced four papers on his research this year proving that medical compounds can assist in alleviation of symptoms. A map of areas where disease occurs has been produced thus providing some direction for allocation of resources. By using a trajectory of the lives of sufferers it is hoped that reconstruction of activities of daily living will be possible.
A cure is difficult and considerable sums of money are needed. The cost of drugs, which do help in the management of the symptoms, is vast; 2.5 billion is spent, as the testing regime is prolonged and rigid. It takes 5 – 7 years before a drug can be released especially as the belief of 'do no harm' must be followed.
Several drugs that are useful in treatment were mentioned as were several which may lead to development of the condition. Repurposing drugs in current use was being investigated. Current Stem- cell treatment is doubtful, as so far experimentation does not appear rigid or well controlled. Deep brain stimulation is being tried with some positive results.
Professor Finkelstein indicated that education of the population is necessary and may assist in funding, as the commitment to adequate funding by Governments does not appear to be forthcoming in the near future.
Thank you,
AG.
