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The Presidents' Pen

Co-Presidents St. Johns Rotary, Penny McGarry (Ph: 021 702 310), and Lesley Harris (Ph: 027 4935 498).

 
 
Almost a laugh a minute, this best describes the Zoom meeting last Thursday.
 
Co President Penny asked for one word to describe how attendees were feeling.
Most attendees can't count as they described how they were feeling in more than one word, perhaps a bit impractical to expect Rotarians to be limited to one word!
The quiz was the usual poser, and attendees are not only able to count, but follow basic instructions, like raise their hand and wait to be called BEFORE answering Angus's questions.  All a bit of fun!
 
The laughs continued as Lynette entertained us with her Real Estate and personal COVID stories, together with introducing her 'friend' "Theragun" - we won't elaborate on what Theragun does! 
Graham and Patrick also updated us on life in Supermarket and Moving businesses under COVID.
Thanks to Lynette, Graham and Patrick for filling in the 'Speaker Breach' Really appreciated and enjoyed.
 
We will be 'zooming' next week, so take care and stay safe in the meantime
 
L and P
 
Stories
Meeting In Review - 14th October 2021
As our Co-Presidents have said in their column above, last weeks meeting was a lot of laughs, (Something we all need at the moment), and 23 members zoomed in for the meeting and joined or made the laughs!
 
Our guest speakers were three members who have been required to work through Lockdown, and all three have had, and are having, very different experiences.
 
A summary of what they each shared with us covered below, but first a few other comments from the meeting.
 
Following the welcome by our Co-Presidents, zoomers were each asked to share "One Word" that explains what each member was feeling as lockdown continues.  Not all were able to limit their feeling to just one word, but following is a few of the words shared;
  • Frustrated
  • Outstanding
  • Confused
  • Feeling sorry for so many
  • Grateful
  • Tense
  • Excited 
  • Ground Hog Day
  • Loving it
  • Feeling good
During the Directors Reports, Robyn once again asked members to assist her identifying speakers. This is a big job and any help will be appreciated.  Foundation Director Gary again reminded members that it's not too late to donate to our charity of choice, the Rotary Foundation and Co-President Lesley briefly updated the meeting on the outcomes from the October Board Meeting, which are reported below separately.
 
Angus then entertained us once again with a short Sergeant's session before hearing from our three guest speakers and first up was Lynette.
 
Once again Lynette's talk was as humorous as her previous ones. The humour essentially revolved around the new toy that she has acquired during lockdown.  The toy, a "Theragun" appeared to be a cross between a.............and several other toys and you had to be there to see the demonstration and hear about the excitement it brought to Lynette, to really appreciate it.  However, the Theragun did help Lynette get through Lockdown to date, particularly with the restrictions placed on Real Estate.   What was very interesting, despite the restrictions, is that her company are still recording record breaking numbers of sales, buyers, prices etc.  Living alone also has its challenges during Lockdown, and particularly if you experience a very unusual health scare as Lynette did.  We were all very pleased to hear that she ended up handling the situation despite the difficulties, and that she is now well and eagerly awaiting to be released into Level 2 or better to allow her to get back to work, and start turning all the listings that she has, into sales. 
 
Next up was Patrick, who is in the "moving" business.  Essentially the day Level 4 was announced, business stopped.  They had 170 contracts on the books ready to start moving and for 5 weeks, until we moved into Level 3, nothing could be done.  Adding to his company's challenges was that the business was identified as a Covid place of interest which posed further complications.  Patrick is now back on the road quoting, but doing business in full PPE is restrictive and although business is slowly returning to normal, many customers are frustrated and angry.  It's not pretty out there.
 
New World Lunn Ave has once again risen to the challenges, and Graham and his team have continued to serve our community to the highest possible standard, despite having to deal with many situations that the customer would never ever see, or appreciate.  The level of "panic", by customers is less than previous lockdowns and this helps.  Online shopping has continued to grow and they struggle to meet the demand, although they are doing all they can to open more delivery slots increasing "online staff"  from 6 to 26 with teams working throughout the night as they face an 86% increase in online sales.
 
On the subject of vaccinations, the store management has conducted significant education and there has been a good result from peer pressure.  Graham feels his store is above the game with only 3 of 158 employees who have not yet received either one or both vaccinations!  Very impressive.   
 
The amount of work required to maintain  a safe and happy workplace, happy and supportive customers, full shelves etc etc, does not just happen and St Johns Rotary members and the community at large are very fortunate to have such a professional business available in our community to meet our essential needs.   
 
A big thank you again to Lynette, Patrick and Graham for their time and willingness to share their experiences.  
 
"Challenges are what makes life interesting, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful"
 
(Thanks for the quote Lesley).
 
Club Meetings and Other Important Dates
THURSDAY OCTOBER 21st - BREAKFAST MEETING 7.30 am - Via Zoom.  Link will be emailed to all members prior to the meeting.  Guest Speaker; - Roger McGarry!
If this picture doesn't entice you to link in to our next Zoom meeting - what will!!
 
Back by popular demand, we are delighted to have Roger back to talk to us, and share the experiences he has had at the Bonneville Speedway.  Based on the Bonneville Salt Flats northeast of Wendover, Utah, this is the venue for numerous land speed records.

 

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 27th - JOINT BREAKFAST MEETING WITH AUCKLAND HARBOURSIDE ROTARY.  To Be Confirmed.

 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 28th - MEETING CANCELLED IN-LIEU OF JOINT MEETING WEDNESDAY 27th AS DETAILED ABOVE.  To Be Confirmed.

Update From October Board Meeting
October Board Report:
  • The meeting was held by ZOOM
  • Three candidates were selected for the Youth Science Forum 
  • We are going to try for a Council Grant to repair the St Johns Bush signage
  • The Club Quiz Night - we will set a date at the end of October.  We need Level 1 to hold
  • Gary commented re the voluntary Foundation donation.  Still expecting some further donations
  • The new Trustees will be announced at the AGM. 5/6 of the current Trustees have retired and have indicated whether the are available for re appointment
 
Salvation Army Food Packing
Once again St. Johns Rotary put their hand up to pack food boxes on behalf of the Salvation Army on Wednesday October 20th.  Many thanks to the team who have already registered their availability and volunteered.  However if you would like to join in please contact Murray H asap for full details.
District 9920 Conference - Te Papa 2022
It's never too early to start planning!  If you are thinking of attending now's the time to start thinking about it.  Let our Co-Presidents know that you are interested and they will keep you up to date with planning for a St. Johns team participation.
 
N95 Masks are the Gold Standard but unobtainable? Not quite
Members of our club are amazing in what they contribute via Rotary as described below:
 
Lanaco in Auckland is the manufacturer of N95-equivalent NZ wool masks and have been incredibly generous and supportive of access to these via Rotary to the more vulnerable in our communities.
 
Over the last few months, they have donated 70,000 of these masks to the Fijian communities in desperate need via Rotary Fiji and you can read about this HERE
 
Now underway, Lanaco have donated 30,000+ masks that are being distributed to those who cannot otherwise access or afford adequate masking via Rotary in Auckland to the foodbanks of the Salvation Army, Auckland City Mission and (to a lesser extent) the Glen Innes CAB.  This Auckland initiative is being very capably organised by Gary Key, Peter Ross (the main Rotary coordinator with the Salvation Army) and Christine Fenby (President Downtown Auckland who have a close relationship with Auckland City Mission).  They are working together cooperatively to ensure best impact from this donation including publicity for Lanaco and Rotary.  Thank you!
 
The above picture shows the first of the donated masks being received by the Salvation Army Rotary packers at Mt Wellington foodbank.
Read more...
Why did you join Rotary?
Is the reason you joined Rotary something you can share with others and thereby encourage others to join our amazing club? 
 
Why not give it a go!  Sure Covid is disrupting things at the moment but even as we are somewhat curtailed there are still projects members can participate in, let alone the camaraderie of our weekly Zoom meetings.  If you have a lead and would like Beryl to help turn that into a new member, just call her on 021652802.
 
 
Polio Plus Fundraising Opportunity

"THE GOOD SELL" fundraise for POLIO PLUS

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Sadhu, Mary Ashwini <MaryAshwini.Sadhu@anz.com>
Date: Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 9:15 PM
Subject: THE GOOD SELL fundraise for POLIO PLUS
To: Erica Tu (Auckland South) < erica-tu@xtra.co.nz>, Greg Carr (Newmarket) < carrfam@xtra.co.nz>, Lesley Harris (St Johns) < lesleypenny.rotary@gmail.com>, OTAHUHU < richette@otahuhumainstreet.co.nz>, PAPATOETOE CENTRAL < k.singh@nitt.co.nz>, PAPATOETOE WEST ( kyee@xtra.co.nz) < kyee@xtra.co.nz>, REMUERA < leigh@lmarchitect.com>

Dear Presidents

I hope you are all well.   I know you all would have received the Foundation Newsletter. I’d like to emphasise on the Polio Plus fundraising. A lot of clubs are challenged with lockdown so this is a great way to raise some funds.  Perhaps do some cleanout in lockdown!

Please find attached the September Foundation Newsletter.   Also the Club Presidents and Secretaries, were informed of the Good Sell project last week in a email from DG Steve so you could also refer them to that.    Here is the body of that email:

We’ve partnered with The Good Sell to raise $15k for our international project, ‘End Polio Now’. This has been one of our longest standing fights and for more than 3 years, wild polio cases have only been seen in two countries, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. For Rotary international and our partners to continue this hard work to eradicate polio worldwide we need your help. 

All you must do to support this campaign is hop on over to The Good Sell and use your anyways money! What’s your anyways money? Well, if you’ve been meaning to replace that microwave or get a new air fryer, why not pop on over to The Good Sell where you can sell, shop, and donate together.

For each item you purchase, the seller will choose to donate either 25%, 50%, 75% or even 100%.   Go check out www.thegoodsell.co.nz/ and support our campaign.

HOW DO I ADD MY ITEMS TO SELL ?

It's just the same process as opening a Trade Me account.  All you need to do is add your email address, add a password, put in your bank details, which is in a secure place, then get going to add the items you wish to sell. 

Let's get this project going and take a look around your home, office or business to see what you can donate NOW.  Feel free to send this on to your friends and family as well! Everyone has something to sell or buy.

Don’t hesitate to contact me for any clarification.

Have a lovely week

Warm regards

Ashwini Sadhu

 

An Opportunity to be Further Involved in Rotary

Council on Resolutions & Council on Legislation

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Alan Eyes <alan.eyes.nz.gmail.com@clubrunner.email>
Date: Sun, Oct 10, 2021 at 6:26 PM
Subject: Council on Resolutions & Council on Legislation
To: Lesley Harris < lesleypenny.rotary@gmail.com>
 
Dear Lesley Harris,
 
Hello Club President, Secretaries, and District Leaders
 
This email relates to the current process for the Council on Resolutions and the Council on Legislation. 
 
While there is no requirement for feedback, please consider if there are Rotarians in your club that may wish to be involved in this process.
 
COUNCIL ON RESOLUTIONS
Each year there is an opportunity for Districts to put forward proposals for consideration by the Council. If agreed by majority vote, the proposals go for consideration by the Rotary International Board or the Rotary Foundation Trustees. The RI Board can also use the process to seek approval for urgent changes to Constitutional documents, within the three-year cycle for the Council on Legislation.
The 36 proposals for 2021have been published on the RI website  and can be accessed at this link: https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/13kDrJOPNVw3sDgbu7kExa6B6dBP
 
As the District 9920 representative it is my responsibility to consider the proposals and vote as I consider appropriate. I will welcome comments and opinions on any of the 36 proposals.
Any comments clubs or members would like to make should be conveyed to me by 27 October.
 
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION
In 2020 the opportunity was provided to input proposed resolution for the three-yearly Council on Legislation scheduled to be held in April 2022.
These 92 proposed amendments to the constitutional documents of Rotary are now available for consideration and can be found at this link:
 
The consideration and input phase will continue over the coming months, but if there are particular aspects clubs or members would like provide input to please contact me. Depending on the level of feedback we will look at convening a CoL workshop ahead of the Council meeting in the early part of 2022.
 
Thanks for considering these important parts of Rotary’s constitutional process.
 
Regards
PDG Alan Eyes
D9920 Council on Legislation Representative
ph +64 274 987364
Time For A Smile

I'm Here to Help!

A politician visited a small town during the election campaign and asked the gathered crowd what their needs were.

"We have two very basic needs sir", replied the Mayor.

"Firstly we have a hospital, but there are no Doctors".

On hearing this, the politician  whipped out his cell phone, and after speaking for a while he ended the call and turned to the mayor and assured him and the rest of the audience, that the Doctors will be there the next day.

He then asked about the second problem.

"Secondly sir", said the Mayor, "there is no cell phone coverage anywhere in the town". 

 

Video of the Week.

A little old but still quite funny:

The French Brexit Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPLe9qhpBF8

..and a joke;

An American Tourist in Ireland decided he needed a break from kissing the Blarney Stone and the like;  and just needed a few days of golf.

So, whist his wife was happy checking out antique stores and more castles, he called into the local Golf Club near the little village where they were staying.

He asked the Manager, who was also the Golf Pro, Greenkeeper and Barman, if there was someone he could team up with for a round.

The manager suggested Patrick, who just happened to be leaning on the bar at the time.

The American approached Patrick who said he would be happy to play. So they arranged a round for the next day.

            “I’ll be there at 9. O’clock, “said Patrick. “But I could be half an hour late.”

The next morning, at 9 O’clock, the American arrived and Patrick was there. He had a set of lefthanded clubs. They played a round and Patrick won quite handsomely.

The American asked for a rematch.  Patrick agreed and they arranged to meet again the following day
            “I’ll be there at 9. O’clock,” said Patrick.  “But I could be half an hour late.”

So, the next morning, the American was there at 9 O’clock and so was Patrick. This time the Irishman had a set of right handed clubs.

The American quickly spotted the change and thought to himself that he would have a great chance of a winning this time.

But Patrick beat him once more – again quite easily.

Not to be thwarted, the American challenged Patrick to another game the next day.

            “OK,” said Patrick. “I’ll be there at 9. O’clock. But I could be half an hour late.”

            “Hold on a minute,” said the American. “I’m curious.  Yesterday you played left handed, today you played right handed. How do you decide which way you’re going to play?”

            “Well’ said Patrick. “When I wake up in the morning, I look at the wife. If she’s lying on her left side, I bring the lefthanded clubs. If she’s lying on her right side, I bring the right handed clubs.”

            “What happens if she’s lying on her back?”

            “I’ll be half an hour late."

Rotary Four Way Test
 
Next Meeting:
 
Breakfast Zoom Meeting.
Link to join Zoom will be sent to all separately via e-mail.
 
Thursday October 21st, 7.30am. 
 
 
Contents:
  • Presidents Pen
  • Meeting in Review - October 14th 2021
  • Club Meetings & Other Important Dates
  • Board Update
  • Salvation Army Food Packing
  • N95 Masks
  • Why Did You Join Rotary
  • Polio Plus Fundraising
  • An Opportunity To Be More Involved
  • Time for a Smile
  • Rotary Four way Test
Speakers
Oct 21, 2021 7:30 AM
Bonneville Speedway Utah - home of land speed records
Oct 27, 2021 6:00 PM
TBA
Oct 28, 2021 7:00 AM
Combined meeting with RC Auckland Harbourside
Nov 04, 2021 6:00 PM
Scott Brown Carpentry
Nov 11, 2021 7:00 AM
New CEO Tamaki Regeneration Company
Nov 11, 2021 7:00 AM
Nov 18, 2021 7:00 AM
Nov 19, 2021 6:00 PM
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Orakei Volunteer Expo (TBC - in Level 1)
Auckland Netball Centre
Mar 12, 2022
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
View entire list

Club Contacts

Co-Presidents': 
Penny McGarry 021 702 310 &
Lesley Harris 027 4935 498
Secretary, Treasurer & Apologies: 
Alex Gatt 021 571 722
Presidents' Elect: 
Gary Key 021 611 169 & Graham Fabian 021 826 292
Club Services: 
Robyn Ingram  022 0200 171 
Foundation: 
Gary Key 021 611 169
Community: 
Hugh Scott Russell 021 0813 7313 & John Lewisham 09 5288908.
Youth: 
Tom Street 021 685 651
Science Technology & Education:
 Peter Buchanan 027 434 1832
Sergeants: 
Michelle Forman 021 0277 9456, Angus McPhee  09 575 1007 & Cheri Joliffe 021 037 7559
Membership: 
Beryl Robinson 021 652 802. Email: berylrobinson@xtra.co.nz
Bulletin Editor: 
Pete Walsh 021 747 858. walshp@xtra.co.nz
 
Club: Email:  stjohnsrotary@gmail.com
Website:  www.rotarystjohns.club
Area Govenor:
Ashwini Sadhu
021 305 261,
email: marysadhu99@gmail.com  
Our Meetings
 
We meet Thursday for breakfast at
7:00 am for 7:15 am start,
except for the first Thursday of the month, when we meet in the evening at 6:00 pm for dinner.
 
Remuera Golf Club
120 Abbotts Way
Remuera
Auckland 1072
New Zealand 
 
All Rotarian's are welcome 
including family members.
 
Others wanting to visit are most welcome - please phone or email:
Beryl Robinson 021 652 802. Email: berylrobinson@xtra.co.nz
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