Wow, didn’t our RYLA speakers do well? The reports back from our RYLArian’s are always ‘from the heart’ and so inspiring that every time we hear from them, I always feel jealous I didn’t know about RYLA when I was at the ‘right’ age. I wonder if I could convince the organisers that a RYLA for ‘over 50s’ might be an idea? I would certainly be putting myself forward for such a life-changing and personal-development experience.
A number of our sponsored RYLArian’s were unable to come last week – but we hope to offer another opportunity for these inspirational and emerging leaders to report back to us later on in the Rotary year.
Our evening meets also provide a lovely opportunity to bring partners and guests so we can enjoy ‘fellowship’. I trust you all relished the additional opportunities provided to catch-up via the technical hiccups. 😊
On Sunday, I had a busy (but fun) time hosting and running an 'Orientation' for the six enthusiastic new Inbound RYE students who arrived in the country over July. Gonza now has six new buddies from: France, Austria, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. I'm excited to introduce our membership to maybe all six next year when we will book them to present to our club. What a cool meeting that will be!
I'm also looking forward to this week’s speaker, Tom Smith from Parafed Auckland (Sport & Recreation for the Physically Disabled).
Another interesting and enjoyable Dinner Meeting with a total of 51 members, guests, friends and family present to enjoy the fellowship and our guest speakers.
Each year when we hear from our club sponsored RYLA Awardees we are reminded of just how much our support of the various Rotary Youth Programmes is so rewarding for both our club, and those young persons who are fortunate enough to have been selected to participate.
Despite some typical wet Auckland weather, this year's Rotary Young Leaders Awards, (RYLA), was another very successful Rotary Youth Programme with a full house of 120 young people participating . RYLA is one of Rotary's most successful leadership programmes which normally, without exception, has a huge impact on the lives of those who take part, and the 2019 camp was no exception.
This year St. Johns sponsored 7 participants and at last weeks meeting we were fortunate enough to hear from 3 of our sponsored participants; Monique Barnes, Robyn Keriazes and Harriette Moore. Also present to relay his experience was Rico Pokoati who had been sponsored by Manukau City Sunrise. However, Rico is an employee at the Dove Hospice, and because of our close association with the Hospice it was great that Rico could also join us.
Each of the speakers had their own story, memories, highlights and challenges to share with us, but once again there was a string of sound bites that have become synomonise with RYLA, and this year was no exception. Our speakers made comments such as;
My RYLA experience is already opening new doors;
I now have 119 new friends, many of whom will remain so for the rest of my life;
Being woken up so early each day wasn't my favorite experience;
20 great speakers, every one inspirational;
Sleep deprivation;
Mental exhustion;
I am already setting big audacious goals at work and home;
Even though I had a good idea of what to expect, it was still a huge surprise;
The army were incredibly supportive;
I actually enjoyed the experience of not having my phone with me for a whole week - and I survived;
An incredible journey;
A huge thank you to St. Johns Rotary;
and of course the big one - "this has been a life changing experience".
In his normal eloquent and very thoughtful way, Gary extended the clubs thanks to the speakers and reminded us all that RYLA was just the start - the rest is up to them; "DREAM BIG ACHIEVE MORE".
He also suggested to the awardies that they will never look across the harbour at Rangitoto and Motutapu and see them in the same light ever again!
Peter Ross, the District Coordinator of RYLA, again thanked St. Johns for their support of the programme and for the significant contribution made by members each year in the running of the event and that this year was no exception, with a special mention of Gary and Steele. Peter also reminded us just how grateful the District is of DOC and the New Zealand Army, who's contribution and support each year is enormous.
Our four guest speakers pictured with Peter Ross, President Robyn and Gary Key.
RYLA speakers Rico Pokati, Monique Barnes, Harriette Moore and Robyn Keriazes, were introduced by Rumbie Muzawazi, 2018 RYLA Awardie, (sponsored by St. Johns), and President of the Rotoract Club of Auckland City;
The 2019 Awardees enjoying the Award Dinner at Willow Park
Tom, who is the CEO of Parafed Auckland, will give a new insight into the challenges of facilitating sport and recreation opportunities for those with physical disabilities.
BREAKFAST MEETING AUGUST 15th - Gary Langford, District Governor.
Click on "Read More", for a brief Bio and we look forward to hearing more about Gary and his goals for the next year when he visits our club.
WIATARUA RESERVE TREE PLANTING - AUGUST 17th 1 pm:
See story below and please contact Cheri if you are interested and available to support this Club activity
CLUB VISIT TO TIRITIRI MATANGI - SUNDAY AUGUST 18th:
See separate story below for more details.
BREAKFAST MEETING AUGUST 22nd - ALEX GATT ST JOHNS ROTARY SECRETARY / TREASURER:
Alex has been a member for a long time, but do we really know him? A proud father and long time serving board member. Here is an opportunity to find out what makes Alex tick, with his dry sense of humour and strong loyalty to the St Johns Rotary Club.
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (RLI), SEMINARS: Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 8.30am to 4.30pm at nearby Selwyn College.
See separate story below for more information.
CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR BREAK:
Last Meeting for 2019 - Thursday December 12th
First Meeting for 2020 - Thursday February 13th
EASTERN BAYS HOSPICE, DOVE HOSPICE SHOPS GARAGE SALE: 3rd Saturday of every month at 8 am.
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.
At last weeks evening meeting our Director of Sustainability, PP Peter Buchanan, announced our club's first challenge of what will be a monthly event going forward.
The challenge for August is for you not to use plastic straws, or plastic coffee lids. Instead tip the bottle, can or cup rather than suck. For coffee request no lid, or even better, take your own cup.
In the process of setting up a business in Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, I was invited along to a meeting of local businesses to attend a, “Business Forum”, run by the Rotary Club of St. Johns. The aim of the meeting was to connect with the local business owners to attract membership and naturally connect with the "locals”. This was ideal for me as I was wanting to connect with the local community and what better way than doing this through Rotary! I joined the Rotary Club of St Johns on Dec 3rd 1992 and my first task was to issue all members a Trade Discount Card to get them into the Shop - so the Club got one member and the Business got 25 new customers!!!!
Over the years we ran many, many functions together in the name of Rotary; a great partnership - and still today this partnership continues with local businesses. New World is a prime example and I am sure that the opportunity to expand the partnership with local business is even more prevalent today given the growth of Lunn Ave.
So in my nearly 27 years of Rotary I have witnessed many changes as the Club has grown, contracted and changed. However, one thing that has always remained the same is the uniqueness of St Johns - it has a special energy and certainly punches above its weight! I have had the privilege of holding just about every office within the Rotary structure and have been the Foundation Chair for the last 10 years – I think?
St Johns is very special and we should all be so proud to be a member and to be involved with the huge contribution that this Little Club has made in the name of Rotary - Service Above Self! We do, however, have a current challenge that is having a detrimental effect on the Club - Active Members. At the moment our Active Members are only between 15—20, that is less than the 25 Active Members that the Club had 27 years ago!! On paper we have a membership of 63 members, but the attendance at our weekly meetings is often less than 25 with some members turning up every now and again, or when they feel like it. Rotary is not for Part Timers. You will get out of Rotary what you PUT IN. I would have to say that at the moment perhaps 40 plus Paper Members are not getting what they deserve out of Rotary. We, as a Club, are charged by the Golf Club a minimum of 30 breakfasts each meeting. I am sure you can see the financial effect that this is having. I continue to look forward to seeing you all at future meetings.
The Environment Committee is working on some tree planting projects and this opportunity has arisen:
A nice local project on the Club’s doorstep. Waiatarua Reserve on Saturday 17th August at 1 pm. Although relatively short notice, hopefully some members will be available to join in the planting, and the fun!!
Interested?? Please contact Cheri for more details.
Our Fellowship Officer, Michelle Forman, has several ideas regarding events and visits for Club members, friends and family. SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY AUGUST 18TH. St Johns Rotary trip to Tiritiri Matangi.
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a stunning wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand's native birds, and an important conservation project. From the moment you step on to the Island to the time you reluctantly depart, you'll be serenaded by birdsong.
Cost is $78 per person, leaving from downtown at 9 am, or for those who are not so great on the water, you can leave from Gulf Harbour, same cost. Bookings are essential - Book through Fullers and once you have booked can you please advise Michelle at mertie.forman@gmail.com.
If you have never visited - a visit to Tiritiri is a must do.
Hi, this week I’ve been busy doing assessments at school, and on Friday we went to Alex and Matt house because this Friday was Alex graduation of her postgrade which was really cool because it was in their new and beautiful home. Saturday we spent the day with Nana, Robyn’s mam, we had a nice day in family. Sunday Robyn taught me how to cook ANZAC cookies and we had the Inbounds orientation at home, and it was awesome because I knew all the new inbounds and it was a fun and a lovely day, and after orientation we went to Alex and Matt house where we had a dinner and we had a nice chatting in family.
This is your invitation to a wonderful Rotary Learning & Information opportunity to join us at our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) seminar weekend on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 8.30am to 4.30pm at nearby Selwyn College. From our St Johns Rotary, Beryl & Colin are always two of the numerous RLI Facilitators who take assorted modules during the weekend, plus others from our club will hopefully also be there, so you’ll already know some Rotarians who attending, plus you’ll make new friends from other Rotary & Rotaract clubs throughout Auckland.
New Rotarians are always welcome, as are longer term members. It’s great that our Rotary Club of St Johns sponsors (i.e. pays for) any Rotarian who is keen to attend RLI to discover new opportunities in the world of Rotary.
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.
BREAKFAST MEETING AUGUST 15th - Gary Langford, District Governor.
In the process of setting up a business in Lunn Ave, Mt Wellington, I was invited along to a meeting of local businesses to attend a, “Business Forum”, run by the Rotary Club of St. Johns. The aim of the meeting was to connect with the local business owners to attract membership and naturally connect with the "locals”. This was ideal for me as I was wanting to connect with the local community and what better way than doing this through Rotary! I joined the Rotary Club of St Johns on Dec 3rd 1992 and my first task was to issue all members a Trade Discount Card to get them into the Shop - so the Club got one member and the Business got 25 new customers!!!!
The Environment Committee is working on some tree planting projects and this opportunity has arisen:
Save the date!
