As the year heads towards Xmas over the next 2 weeks we have new presenters to listen to. This coming Thursday is Julie Chapman from “Kids Can”. Did you realise that they assist over 29,000 children nationally and support 375 schools. This is an outstanding effort and we look forward to Julie’s presentation.
Poverty and child responsibility is a very emotional subject as to the rights and wrongs of what we observe. In our communities that we support there is evidence that poverty exists for many reasons and children are our most vulnerable. There is a reality of life and our club is exploring ways to make a difference and inspire our communities. It will be our actions that create leadership.
The next week we visit the Sir Ed Hillary retirement village as a vocational visit. This complex is impressive and certainly offers a number of options. One of the most important aspects that I have observed is that villages of this type help with social isolation and builds a sense with a strong community of support. Professor Howley will also be presenting at this meeting. See below for further information on these events for you.
It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Nigel Robinson. Nigel passed away peacefully at 4.20 am Sunday October 14th, with his family by his side.
Nigel has been a Rotarian for 34 years, 30 of those years as an active and fun loving member of St. Johns Rotary. Our hearts go out to Janet, Helen, Barry, Paul and their families at this very sad time. May the many happy memories stay with you all forever.
Funeral Arrangements; Nigel's funeral is on Friday October 19th at Eden Park, Gate B, Walters Road, level 5 lounge, Kingsland. Kick off is at 10.30.
Two months ago we featured Nigel's profile in this Bulletin. In memory of Nigel, this is published again below. Please click "Read More" to read.
A big thank you to the 29 members who were able to attend our 11th October Breakfast Meeting and participate in the various committee discussions, as plans for the current Rotary year continue to fall into place.
President Allan reminded all members present of some of the very important events / activities coming up over the next few months and he stressed that success of these events will once again ensure another great year for St. Johns Rotary. Specifically; Club Movie Night, Club Trivia Night, Upcoming Club Meetings, District Conference etc. For more details of all these and other events, PLEASE KEEP READING!
This programme draws on successful work carried out in Africa by Dr Stephen Howie (University of Auckland) and colleagues, and current pilot work in Fiji at Nausori Health Centre, Nabouwalu Hospital, and Taveuni Hospital and the ultimate goal in view, is national coverage to ensure that no communities are left unprotected. Ultimately, we want every child in Fiji to have access to a reliable oxygen supply.
The medium term aim is to realise the next stag e of this vision over the next 3 years; going from 3 health facilities with reliable supplies, to a national network of 12. This is a critical period that will form the bridge between the pilot phase and the successful implementation of a full-scale national programme.
The Oxygen Solution:
Oxygen concentrators, machines which filter nitrogen from air to supply high quality oxygen, are much more cost effective than cylinder oxygen, and do not require transport back and forth. If the right equipment is used, they can work well in tropical countries. However, oxygen concentrators require reliable power, which is a barrier to their use in Fiji. We are using carefully specified 24/7 oxygen systems incorporating oxygen concentrators, with solar power where needed, and batteries for power storage.
The long-term goal is that, no child in Fiji dies from lack of oxygen.
St Johns Rotary member Sam LUCAS has just been honoured as one of Auckland University’s top “40 under 40” Alumni.
Note Sam was interviewed and this profile was written by Auckland University prior to him learning that ONJA’s Rotary Global Grant Application had been successful.
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:
Including the Conference, other activities to join in on are:
District Governor’s Golf Tournament
Art Deco Walking Tour
An Art Deco vintage car driving tour
Hawkes Bay Farmers Market in Hastings on Sunday morning
Bike winery tour
Wine tastings at the Conference venue
Registrations are now open! Please "Read More" for links to Registration.
If you are interested in attending, please also advise Michelle Forman - Email: mertie.forman@gmail.com
The following message from Peter Buchanan, to all who maybe interested in a visit to a very special place - Hauturu.
This email is to those who expressed interest in a potential day trip to Hauturu / Little Barrier Is. I was planning for a trip in Nov. (prob. 17 Nov.) and had 3 quotes from charter boats. The next step was to apply for a permit, but in advance I spoke to DOC Warkworth to find that they no longer accept Sat. or Sun. day-trips. And for weekdays, there are no trips available before January.
So that requires a re-think. If interest is retained, we will need to choose well in advance a date that meets people's anticipated availability in Jan. or Feb., and then proceed with an application for DOC's consideration (- listing all intended participants, contact ph. no., residential address, and date of birth).
In terms of price from the 3 approved charter companies, I think the best deal is for a boat cost of $110 + GST pp. (including payment for our guide's boat fee but not time; an approved guide is essential), a quarantine fee of $44.16 pp, and a permit fee for the group of $149.50.
The boat will take a maximum of 20. Priced for 15 of us, the pp cost works out at $181 each. Own transport to Sandspit via Warkworth (where the biosecurity check occurs).
I'll be in further contact with you, and regret that an earlier date for the trip is not possible.
Have you seen? Have you got the Rotary Banners? Once again the Banners have taken on a life of their own and are fending off all attempts to round them up?
Full amnesty in place - if you have or have seen any of these recently we would love to hear from you! Many thanks.
I just got a photo from a speed camera through the mail. I sent it right back – way too expensive and really bad quality.
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Husband brings the child home from kindergarten and asks his wife, "He’s been crying the whole way home. Is he sick or something?" "No," replies the wife, "he was just trying to tell you he isn’t our Frankie."
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.
It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, Nigel Robinson. Nigel passed away peacefully at 4.20 am Sunday October 14th, with his family by his side.
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:
This email is to those who expressed interest in a potential day trip to Hauturu / Little Barrier Is. I was planning for a trip in Nov. (prob. 17 Nov.) and had 3 quotes from charter boats. The next step was to apply for a permit, but in advance I spoke to DOC Warkworth to find that they no longer accept Sat. or Sun. day-trips. And for weekdays, there are no trips available before January. 
Have you seen? Have you got the Rotary Banners? Once again the Banners have taken on a life of their own and are fending off all attempts to round them up?