On looking back over the last week and with the involvement of many things I have to admire the RYLA attendees at their graduation on Friday evening. In listening to them at the table or on the stage I can only believe once again NZ is going to be well looked after in the future. These attendees as total strangers spent a week bonding, challenging and forming fantastic teams. They were certainly competitive but also recognised the fact that the “experts” who shared their own knowledge allowed them to explore and walk away from the week a better person. Congratulations to all those young adults who attended, determined to be a better person and can look at those small success that made a difference.
Have a great week and look forward to seeing you on Thursday and we will also have the finalised committee groups available. Yes Kevin we did find you a home for the year. 😊
It was with much sadness that we learnt last week of the passing of David Hartstone's Mother, Eileen Mary Hartstone. The club members extend their deepest sympathy to David and his family and may the many happy memories stay with you forever.
President Allan received the letter below from our new International President and although its directed at the leadership team, Allan is happy for this to be shared with all members.
"My dear friends and fellow Rotary leaders,
Today marks the beginning of the 2018-2019 Rotary year, and the beginning of our time together in Rotary office. It is the day that we accept the baton of leadership from those who held our offices before us, and begin the task of preparing to pass those batons to our successors. If we do our jobs well, we will leave office, one year from now, with clubs and districts that are larger and stronger, more efficient and more effective, and more fully committed to the work and the values of Rotary.
The metaphor of Rotary leadership as a relay race is one we use often, as it so aptly expresses the nature of Rotary office. Yet Rotary leadership is not an individual, but a team sport. You and I, and all of your fellow leaders, enter this Rotary year together, as part of a team. We share the same goal: a world transformed by Rotary service, one project, one club, one community at a time.
Our theme in this Rotary year is Be the Inspiration. I chose this theme because, throughout my years in Rotary, I have seen that what truly motivates Rotarians is their work. The Rotarians who have the biggest impact through their service aren’t always the women and men with the greatest resources, the most experience, or the largest networks. They’re the ones who are inspired. Whether it was something they did, something they saw, or someone they met, they’ve all had experiences that lit them on fire—and inspired them to serve.
This year, I ask each of you not only to seek that inspiration within yourselves, but to Be the Inspiration for others. Work to build clubs and districts with Rotarians who find meaning in their service, who know they are having an impact, and who are inspired to do even more. Lead with passion, lead by example—and lead Rotary to a future even stronger than its present.
You and I, and every district governor, club president, and Rotary officer around the world, have been chosen this Rotary year. We’ve been chosen by our fellow Rotarians, who believed that we were the best people to do the work that now lies before us. In the twelve months ahead, I intend to work as hard as I can, as well as I can, and I know that you will do the same. We are all in this together—and together, we will Be the Inspiration.
Yours in Rotary,
Barry Rassin Rotary International President, 2018-19"
A very enjoyable and convivial meeting made up of 31 members, 14 partners, and our guest speaker Richard Field accompanied by his Hearing Dog Jett, a 4 year old Labradoodle - his constant companion.
Richard, an ex soldier who fought in Malaysia and Vietnam, experienced 82% hearing loss through military experiences, is totally dependent on Jett for his daily living. Jett is permitted to go everywhere with Richard other than to the Zoo or hospitals. Jett was trained in New Plymouth over 10 months at a cost of $30,000, which included a Bonding program for Richard and Jett, who return each year for a performance training update.
Richard shared with us daily life experiences with Jett in a very entertaining and informative manner. It seemed as though Jett never stopped watching Richard who directed him through arm movements and whistle type sounds. Jett has been trained to never bark except if a visitor comes onto Richard’s property. Hearing Dogs NZ is a Charitable Trust sponsored by Sponsors including Purina, Post Haste and Trust Power and supported by members of Community Trusts throughout NZ.
This month the Club has committed to three sessions to help pack ERK's. Two sessions are done and dusted and we have one to go, Saturday July 14th 9.45 am to 1 pm. There is still room for a few more volunteers so if you can help please contact Penny McGarry asap.
On Tuesday night July 3rd we had a large team from St Johns descend on the Morrin Road Auckland University Campus to pack the ERK's and that evening 220 buckets were packed with essential items, including; torch, batteries, cutlery, drink bottles, clothesline, pegs, a range of personal items, cups, sewing kits, first Aid kits, string, scissors, metal file and more.....
Each Kit costs $600-$650 each, we send out approx 700/750 Kits a year and 17 clubs across Auckland participate.
So a big thanks to all who have, or will later this week, participate - your efforts are very much appreciated. (See "Read More" for photos from the July 3rd packing).
Tahuna Torea clean up:
Sunday July 8th at 0900 saw over 20, good humoured, keen and enthusiastic club members and family, turn up to clean-up the beach, sand-spit, mangroves and tracks that make-up the very beautiful reserve on our doorstep.
The rain held off for the clean-up which, over a couple of hours, netted rubbish bags full of plastics, foam, glass, ropes and a huge array of other debris that are clogging our waterways. Many thanks to Nick and his environmental team for organising the project. (See "Read More" for Photos). Also a big thank you to Toni for the home baking....a great pity not all got to enjoy, having escaped from the scene early.
Club Fellowship:
Our Club "Fellowship Director", Michelle Forman, has this week sent out a questionaire to all members, seeking input on what types of "Fun Activities", that members would like to see organised for members, partners and family. This is an important part of Rotary life, especially for a fun loving membership such as St Johns. Please don't miss this opportunity to have your say and please reply to Michelle's email as soon as possible.
Hospice Garage Sale
Have you ever wanted to dress as well as Murray!! Well now's your chance, while at the same time assisting to raise funds for Dove Hospice. The next DOVE GARAGE SALE, will be held on Saturday July 21st.
Address: Eric Paton Way and Elisabeth Knox Place 8 am - 12 midday . Great bargains, Designer Clothing, Household items - Worth a look. If you don't believe me, just take another look at Murray's dress style!!!
I have been in the Rotary family for a decade joining Rotaract in 2018.
I have been part of 3 Rotaract clubs and now St. Johns Rotary.
I have held multiple positions within the Rotaract clubs including DRR for 9920. My main interest which encompasses Rotary is sustainability at the community, environmental and economic level. Over the next 12 months I hope that the Interact Club will become more closely associated with Rotary as well as taking the lead on some impactful local initiatives.
I have been a member of St Johns Rotary since May 2016. Over the last 2 years I have been Bulletin Editor and now the new Youth Director for the 2018/19 Rotary year.
My main Interests outside Rotary are my work as Clinical Services Manager at Edmund Hillary Retirement Village, a position I have held since May 2014. Prior to this I have held a variety of senior leadership roles in nursing and operational management and come from a strong DHB and NGO background.
Auckland has always been my home and it is fantastic to be able to work in my local area. Apart from being a keen foodie, my family and I love to travel and spend time at the Bach in the Bay of Islands. As Youth Director, I would like to achieve for St Johns Rotary over the next 12 months is to expand and promote the many youth orientated programmes and ensure that the members championing their particular club activity are actively supported across the youth services functions. I look forward to working closely with Hugh Scott-Russell Youth Director for Vocation and Education.
I was coerced to join the club by David Stone & Peter Boshier 15 years ago and have never looked back with any regrets. Over my course of time I have filled most roles within the club culminating being President in 2012. During that year I introduced the Stonefields Community Fair which was run for a number of years in partnership with Stonefields School. In 2015 when our club was given RYLA to run I put my hand up as Chairman of the organising committee. This was very time consuming but thoroughly rewarding experience . There is an old saying that is so true - “you get out of Rotary what you put in” and this for me has been the case.
When I got the passion to go overseas and help Habitat for Humanity build houses and change lives I invited anyone from the club to join me. Gary Key put his hand up the first time and now coming up 5 builds later, we have had many St Johns Rrotarians participate.
Since retiring as a Chemical Engineer 4 years ago, I have enjoyed travel and being an odd job man around our community. It keeps the brain and body active. In my spare time (what is that?) I have been seen on the golf course and still do the odd spot of fishing, albeit less frequent since I sold my launch.
This Rotary year I am your Community Director - Local, and I am looking forward to an enthusiastic group to work with.
Remember no idea is a useless idea, so let our committee plan to make a difference in our community.
PS - It also needs to be stated, that Miles has bribed the Editor in allowing for Milo's fish photo bigger than anyone else's!!
As previously advised, the Board has confirmed that our first "Combined Committee" Meeting for the year, will be during our Breakfast Meeting on July 19th.
This will be the first committee meeting of the year and it is really important that we have a good turnout to ensure good discussions on the direction of each committee over the next 12 months.
PLEASE DIARY THIS NOW, AS A MUST ATTEND! THANKS!!
SEE "Read More", for details of the committee you have been assigned to.
A wonderful charitable event is being planned which will help save the lives of a million babies.
Sir Ray Avery’s LifePod Appeal is to be held at Eden Park on Waitangi Day, 2019. The Live Aid style concert will feature a star-studded cast including a performance by an unrevealed music icon who has never before performed in New Zealand. The charitable event aims to raise $4 million to produce 2,000 LifePod incubators to be sent around the world as a gift from New Zealand to save the lives of one million babies. LifePods are Sir Ray Avery’s incubator invention manufactured at a fraction of the price of alternatives.
The Eden Park Trust has applied to Auckland Council for resource consent to hold a concert as part of the event. The application has been publicly notified and submissions can be made until 12 July. Please visit www.edenpark.co.nz/millionbabies to find the online link.
Sir Ray Avery’s Mt Eden-based social enterprise Medicine Mondiale has created a number of affordable solutions to combat global poverty and to improve the health of the world's most vulnerable citizens. In June 2009, Mt Eden Rotary was pleased to honour Sir Ray Avery’s work and recognise him as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Dr. Aritra Ray, President of Mt Eden Rotary, said “The objective of the LifePod Appeal is consistent with the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian goals. We believe that it is important to support the LifePod Appeal and we urge Rotarians and Kiwis to provide submissions in support of the event online.”
While Conference Registrations are yet to open, to ensure you get the accommodation of choice you may wish to view the above website. An early booking for accommodation can be made and amended later if you wish.
There are more than 1.2 Million Rotarians all over the world in more than 33,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries in all geographic areas.
The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships is the world’s largest, privately funded scholarship program.
Providing vitamin A supplements during polio National Immunization Days has averted an estimated 1.5 million childhood deaths since 1998 – testimony to the “plus” in PolioPlus.
The first service project of the first Rotary club of Chicago was installation of public toilets in the city.
The first Rotaract Club was formed in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
The first women joined Rotary in 1987. Today, more than 196,000 woman are members of Rotary International.
Rotarians in the United States make up 28% of all Rotarians worldwide
Nauru and formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an island country in Micronesia in the South Pacific. Its nearest neighbor is Banaba Island in Kiribati, 182 miles to the east. It has the least amount of any Rotarians in the world, numbering only 11.
Some common signage with a slightly different twist to help to provide some additional clarification:
In a Non-smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and will take appropriate action."
On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push.”
At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment.”
Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming.”
....and a contribution from Sue Smith;
Going to bed the other night, I noticed someone in my shed stealing things.
I phoned the Police but was told no one was in the area to help. They said they would send someone over as soon as possible.
I hung up. A minute later I rang again. "Hello" I said "I called you a minute ago because there was someone in my shed. You don't have to hurry now, because I've shot them."
Within minutes there were half a dozen police cars in the street, plus helicopters and an armed response unit. They caught the burglars red handed. One of the officers said; "I thought you said you had shot them." To which I replied: "I thought you said there was no one available."
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 very enjoyable and convivial meeting made up of 31 members, 14 partners, and our guest speaker Richard Field accompanied by his Hearing Dog Jett, a 4 year old Labradoodle - his constant companion..jpg)
I have been in the Rotary family for a decade joining Rotaract in 2018.
I have been a member of St Johns Rotary since May 2016. Over the last 2 years I have been Bulletin Editor and now the new Youth Director for the 2018/19 Rotary year.
I was coerced to join the club by David Stone & Peter Boshier 15 years ago and have never looked back with any regrets. Over my course of time I have filled most roles within the club culminating being President in 2012. During that year I introduced the Stonefields Community Fair which was run for a number of years in partnership with Stonefields School. In 2015 when our club was given RYLA to run I put my hand up as Chairman of the organising committee. This was very time consuming but thoroughly rewarding experience . There is an old saying that is so true - “you get out of Rotary what you put in” and this for me has been the case.
