I am so pleased to have survived the Cure Kids SkyJump DG Challenge! Thank you all very, very, very much for supporting this great organisation and cause. The build up to the jump was somewhat nerve wracking for me - and if you don't believe this, just ask Tony what I was like at home on the morning of the jump! However, once I leapt off that platform, I can honestly say, it was a pleasure to represent RCSJ in this way and the flight was over way too soon!
Our family followed the jump with more Rotary fun, celebrating Gonza's 18th birthday with a pot luck dinner for his collection of host parents and some Rotary friends; and tonight Gonza and I attended Rotary Club of Pakuranga's meet to support their RYE student, Elise (France) who was making her first formal presentation.
Thanks all who attended our Onja evening. It was great to hear from Sam, Andrew and Claire and a super opportunity for our membership to gain a better understanding of Onja. Sam will be attending a few more of our meetings before he wings back to Matagascar - so be sure to say hello to him.
Looking forward to this weeks very relevant to our "neighbourhood" speaker topic: Tamaki Regeneration Project.
A couple of months back, our district Governor Gary Langford visited our club and challenged our President Robyn to join him, and other Presidents from District, to jump off the Sky Tower, all for the good of a fund raising event for Cure Kids.
Without really thinking too much about it Robyn accepted the Challenge which was scheduled for last Saturday October the 5th.
Despite a considerable amount of trepidation as the 5th got closer, Robyn met the challenge head on and not only did she make the jump, she raised in excess of $4,000 and was the second highest contributor in the DG's team of challengers.
Well done Robyn we are all very proud of your achievement. We hear that Skippers Canyon is the next venue!!!
A good crowd, 31 Members and 26 guests, joined President "Risk Taking Robyn", for a very enjoyable meeting. Following club announcements and formalities of the meeting, (and a very tasty meal), we were privileged to have Sam Lucas speaking on Onja, the incredible social enterprise in Madagascar that our club has supported from the outset.
Sam recapped the background of the project and delivered a very detailed up-date on the progress to date. He was joined in delivering his presentation by Business Journalist and Commentator Andrew Patterson and Sam's sister Claire. Pictured below is Sam (on right), Andrew and Claire. For more information click on "Read More", below;
Two of our members, Penny Leyland and Colin Robinson, have recently undergone surgery and they are now both at home convalescing, and from all accounts they are doing well. We look forward to seeing you both back at a meeting in the not too distant future. Don't forget to do as the Doctor says!!!
Rotary St Johns members are very interested in the Tamaki Regeneration Project and how it is progressing. The club has some strong relationships within this community and is responsible annually for a large number of projects, donations & distributions. The progress and success stories that are coming out of this long term project will be of interest to all club members.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 17th, BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKERS, CHLOE MARSHALL & CORYN LALOLI, NEW ZEALAND FIRE SERVICE:
Life in the Fire Brigade as a female has its challenges, but more important is how we can be pro active in preventing fires within our homes and community. As past Station Officers, who now work within the Fire Protection team, they will share their experiences with members.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 24th, BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER, LEROY WOLLAND:
Something close to us all!! Leroy is a leasing agent with Colliers and he will discuss the commercial developments of Lunn Ave and how it will enhance the community of Stonefields.
DECEMBER 7th - St. JOHN'S ROTARY CLUB 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:
To be held at Remuera Golf Club - Save the date and mark in your Calendar now! Note: Dec 5th Meeting will be cancelled.
CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR BREAK:
Last Meeting for 2019 - Thursday December 12th
First Meeting for 2020 - Thursday February 13th
3rd SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 8 am - EASTERN BAYS HOSPICE, DOVE HOSPICE SHOPS GARAGE SALE:
Corner Elizabeth Knox Place and Thomas Peacock Place, (off Morrin Road). Go along and assist with the sale or just go along and shop - some great bargain's. More details from Murray H.
Welcome to our newest member, Shaun Peacock. Shaun was introduced to the club by our longest serving member, Charter member Murray Hutchinson and invested by our President, Robyn.
Shaun is, and remains, a senior Rotaractor and although he is active in Rotaract, he has also been participating with St John's Rotary for some time, so we are all delighted at his decision to formally join us.
Last week was a week of school holidays, in that week I went to the zoo with Robyn and the Inbounds and we had a wonderful and fun day watching and learning about animals and playing in the children's amusement park.
Last Saturday was my 18th birthday and I had a beautiful day; In the morning I went to watch Robyn's jump from the Sky Tower, after that we went to enjoy at one café, then we went up to the Sky Tower, and we came home and received friends and my host families to enjoy a beautiful dinner with the best company.
The club's Environmental Challenge is a nice easy one to remember this month, but one with significant benefit to the environment;
Stop using plastic bags, freely available in the Supermarket, for fruit and vegetables. Alternatively take home loose or use the recyclable gauze bags, as pictured below, which can be purchased at minimal cost at all major supermarkets.
Also avoid purchasing pre-packaged fruit and vegetables in plastic and cling wrap - again use the reuseable gauze bags for these items. Good luck with this challenge!
The club has received a big thank you from MS. The thank you message was via letter addressed to Tricia and Donald and can be viewed in full by clicking on "Read More".
The format for both nights is to share information about RYLA 2020 including closing dates for applications. Any questions contact our own Tom Street who is intending to go to one of the meetings; or Mike Williamson 021 1680 231.
The Rotary Foundation has risen to #1 on Charity Navigators List of the "10 Best Charities Everyone's Heard Off" with a score of 100/100. This is Rotary's 12th straight year with the maximum four-star rating!
The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.
He had a photographic memory which was never fully developed.
When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye.
Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.
Those who get too big for their pants will be totally exposed in the end.
...and a wee joke;
The room was full of pregnant women with their husbands. The instructor spoke;
"Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial - strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier. Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try to stay on soft surfaces, like a grass path."
"Gentlemen, remember -- you're in this together. It wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her. In fact, that shared experience would be good for you both."
The room suddenly became very quiet as the men absorbed this information. After a few moments a man named Brian, at the back of the room, slowly raised his hand. "Yes?" said the instructor. "I was just wondering if it would be all right, if she carries a golf bag?"
Did you join Rotary to do good things in the community?
You can help or join in all projects (whatever the committee), just contact the committee director and/or project team leader. In most cases, you can include family and friends.
A couple of months back, our district Governor Gary Langford visited our club and challenged our President Robyn to join him, and other Presidents from District, to jump off the Sky Tower, all for the good of a fund raising event for Cure Kids.
A good crowd, 31 Members and 26 guests, joined President "Risk Taking Robyn", for a very enjoyable meeting. Following club announcements and formalities of the meeting, (and a very tasty meal), we were privileged to have Sam Lucas speaking on Onja, the incredible social enterprise in Madagascar that our club has supported from the outset. 
Two of our members, Penny Leyland and Colin Robinson, have recently undergone surgery and they are now both at home convalescing, and from all accounts they are doing well. We look forward to seeing you both back at a meeting in the not too distant future. Don't forget to do as the Doctor says!!! 
Rotary St Johns members are very interested in the Tamaki Regeneration Project and how it is progressing. The club has some strong relationships within this community and is responsible annually for a large number of projects, donations & distributions. The progress and success stories that are coming out of this long term project will be of interest to all club members.
Welcome to our newest member, Shaun Peacock. Shaun was introduced to the club by our longest serving member, Charter member Murray Hutchinson and invested by our President, Robyn.
Last week was a week of school holidays, in that week I went to the zoo with Robyn and the Inbounds and we had a wonderful and fun day watching and learning about animals and playing in the children's amusement park.
The club's Environmental Challenge is a nice easy one to remember this month, but one with significant benefit to the environment;
