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This is a bit long winded, but as we didn't include a joke last week, hopefully you have the time to read this one!! While walking down the street one day a "Member of Parliament" is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man. 'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP. 'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. 'Now it's time to visit heaven.' So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. 'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.' The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.' So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?' The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday, we were campaigning......Today, you voted. |
Twenty Five members, and prospective residents, attended our breakfast at the Edmund Hillary Retirement Village, (EHV), last week. Breakfast was served by the staff from EHV including our own club members Michelle and Annie - thanks guys - the hosting and serving was most appreciated. 
The Ellerslie / Lunn Ave area co-ordinator for the Pink Ribbon Appeal, our very own Sue Smith, in an e-mail to volunteer collectors has advised the following;
At midnight last Friday, Miles and 11 intrepid travelers, including St. Johns Club Members; Robyn, Tony, Michelle and Oscar, departed for Phnon Penh, Cambodia to complete a week building homes for those in need under the umbrella of Habitat For Humanity. 
We have received photos taken soon after arrival with the comment "very hot, but all are well"! 
Mark and Sarah Hillman recently celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in Fiji, which included a visit to Teveuni and what else do you do in Taveuni,? You stop by and say hi to Jeff Amos which is exactly what the Hillmans' did. Big Congratulations to you both and we hope that you had a great celebration.
The Board and the St. Johns Fellowship team would love to see a large group of St John's members attending next year's District Conference. The theme for the conference is "Keep Rotary Real". Please mark in your diaries now and don't delay registering to ensure you receive the "Early Bird" discount - space is limited:
A "new"tentative date of February 18th has now been secured. If you are interested in joining the visit to this very special place, please confirm so to Peter Buchanan and sit tight with confirmation of date and cost to be advised shortly.
Have you seen? Have you got the Rotary Banners? Once again the Banners have taken on a life of their own and they are fending off all attempts to round them up?
Just to let you know, the Bulletin Editor is currently AWOL on the loose in the South Island, starting out walking the Queen Charlotte Track on Nov 1st, then a 2 1/2 week road trip to check out the price of gas down south!! 