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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)

 
Reporting on our light hearted Zoom meeting, starting at 7pm so we could pretend 'dinner was served'.
 
Nice to have Donald and Penny join us, together with Deborah and Katrina.
 
Did you feel in awe of Scott Brown and Jessica Bell and their innovative use of YouTube as a stand alone business and to promote their 'Carpentry Business'?
 
We certainly were, and I'm sure we all wish them well for what can only be their very successful future. Even if it's in Nelson. 
 
Thanks for the presentation Scott and Jess and for assuring us 'oldies' that all is well with our youth.
 
Did you spot the 'mystery member' ?  YES it was our very own David Hartstone sporting a 'number 3' very Covid Chic Dave, you can now loose the cap!
 
Remember AGM next meeting, it will be short, Accounts and Agenda have all been emailed out.
 
L and P
 
Stories
Meeting in Review - November 4th 2021
A total of 22 Members and 4 guests zoomed in for our meeting last week,  Based on audience feedback, all found the content very good, particularly the presentation from our guest speakers from Scott Brown Carpentry.  More on that below, but first a few comments / notices from the meeting;
 
  • As mentioned in the "Presidents Pen" comments above, it appeared that we had another guest online, with the late appearance of this good looking member out on the golf course, but alas we were tricked, it was none other that past Club Junior Champion with his new Covid Lockdown look, the result of a self-inflicted number 3!!
  • Thanks to Lockdown, our Quiz Night has been further delayed until early next year.  However, prior to confirming a date, we need to be mindful that the Golf Tournament is also scheduled for March, so watch this space for confirmation of dates in the near future.
  • Gary again thanked all members for their Foundation donations and requested all who have committed a donation that the invoice, already distributed, be paid as soon as possible, to allow our club's total amount can be forwarded to District.
  • Director Peter B. confirmed that the January 2022 Science Forum has been cancelled and the club is looking at how best to maintain contact with the students who had been selected.
Patrick was then invited to introduce Scott and Partner Jessica, who coincidently is the daughter of Patrick and Katrina.
 
56 Million Hits, 396,000 Subscribers, 100 Videos in 12 months - staggering numbers, but these are just part of a very successful business and one that can only continue to grow and succeed.
 
Scott Brown Carpentry was started as an online (YouTube) business, by Scott in 2016, when he saw an opportunity to put his then 17 years of carpentry experience, coupled with his personality and people skills  together.  He was aware that there was a very large audience out there who never watched TV, but were hooked in to YouTube for entertainment and learning and for limited cost and experience, Scott saw an opening. 
 
Three years into the business it became evident that to capitalise more on the opportunities being presented, and to continue to grow the business, he needed marketing help and coincidently partner Jess was in the marketing business.  At the end of 2019 Jess resigned from her job and joined Scott.
 
It could be said that the rest is history, but Scott and Jess haven't got to where they are now without a sustained period of long hours and hard work.  
 
The best way to understand what their business is and why it is doing so well, is to go onto YouTube, (Scott Brown Carpentry), and watch a few episodes - but be prepared you could well get hooked!!
 
Scott and Jess are now  looking for a new home, to settle and grow the business.  Unfortunately buying a home that suits in Auckland is not currently possible, so they have decided to move to Nelson, which will happen in the near future.
 
It is certainly a business that can grow virtually no matter where they live and we all send our very best wishes to you on the next phase of your business and life - no doubt Mum & Dad will miss you dearly, but they are only a click away from joining you for "Smoko" as often as they like.
 
Following Gary's "Thanks", Jess took the opportunity to thank St. Johns Rotary for the role that they have played in her life over the years.  Jess has participated in many Rotary activities including a year in Germany on an International Student Exchange, and Jess was eager to point out that the exposure to Rotary has played a big part of her successes including this current business.  
 
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU BOTH!
Club Meetings and Other Important Dates
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11th - BREAKFAST ZOOM MEETING - 7.30am: 

Our 'historically' short AGM will take place at the start of this meeting, followed by a catch up with club member Chris Herlihy.  Chris is the Principal of Glen Taylor School (Glen Innes) and will share how they have been dealing with lockdown and his projections for children returning to the real classroom. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18th - BREAKFAST ZOOM MEETING - 7.30am - Guest Speaker Dr. Ian Smith:
Topic – "Living With Volcanoes".

The study of volcanoes and their eruptions has taken on renewed significance over the last 40 years as major eruptions around the world have impacted communities and disrupted patterns of human activity.

In parallel with that, there has been an extraordinary development of techniques focused on understanding how volcanoes work and how the potentially dangerous impact of their eruptions can be mitigated. Ian’s research has focused on volcanoes of the ’Pacific rim of fire’ particularly the southwest Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

Dr Smith has worked as volcanologist at the Central Volcanological Observatory in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.  He then took up a research fellowship at the University of Toronto in Canada studying some of the oldest volcanic rocks on the planet and their role in the formation of the Earth’s early crust.  In 1980 Ian began a teaching position at the University of Auckland where he remained until retirement.

 
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25th - BREAKFAST MEETING - 7.00am Remuera Golf Club.  Guest Speaker - Robert Wheadon:

Topic – "IT Helpful Technical Tips"

As computer programmer for over 20 years, Robert has a Bachelor and Masters degree in Computer Science from Waikato University along with a Certificate in Web Development.   This year he started "On Beam Consulting", to assist people with their systems and generally help make things go.   For more details, go to www.onbeam.nz.  Robert is the partner of our member Ruth.

This presentation will provide ideas to help people in their daily use of computers, such as;.

  • Backups - really handy when things go wrong
  • Taming those pestering upgrades
  • Keeping your passwords safe
  • Fun Internet Facts
  • Electronic Recycling - being a tidy Kiwi in the 21st century
  • What to do when your system stops (apart from take a deep breath)
  • Staying out of trouble online
  • How to find qualified IT people to help you
  • and more....
Invitation From RC of Mangere
9920 District Office has forwarded the email below inviting St. Johns Members to attend an upcoming Zoom Meeting.
 
Invite to RC Mangere - Guest speaker Simon Court
Kirsten Hawke<kirsten.astillhawke.co.nz@clubrunner.email>
 
To  Peter Walsh 
 
Dear Peter
 
This email has been sent to all Bulletin Editors and has been sent on behalf of Samuel Ames from the RC of Mangere.
 
The RC of Mangere would like to invite you to their zoom meeting on November 30th.  Simon Court, List MP for the Act Party has agreed to give a talk.
 
Simon is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with 23 years experience in roles for the private sector and local government. This includes ten years leading engineering, planning, tendering, and construction teams primarily in Auckland, Wellington, and Fiji.

Simon believes in the principles of the ACT party where communities, individuals and business lead the way.  "ACT promotes innovation, not regulation - reducing waste to landfill, bringing real sustainability in construction and building, and clean water in towns and country alike. One task for achieving this is replacing the RMA, which is not fit for purpose and needs to go."

Simon has three boys at high school. They share a love of loud music, fast cars, biking, fitness, good science, and good ideas. His youngest son has Down Syndrome and Simon intends to take a disability perspective to Parliament.

Please forward any queries to Samuel Ames
Time For A Smile 

 

 

 

It’s okay to talk to yourself … and ok to answer yourself.  But sad when you have to repeat what you said because you weren’t listening.

 
A man in a hot air balloon is lost over Ireland . 
He looks down and sees a farmer in the fields and shouts down to him, “Where am I ?” 
The Irish farmer looks back up and shouts back, "You can't fool me. You're in that basket up there."
 
 
 
Rotary Four Way Test
 
 
 
Next Meeting:
 
Breakfast Zoom Meeting.  Link to join Zoom will be sent to all separately via e-mail.
 
Thursday November 11th 7.30am. 
 
 
Contents:
  • Presidents Pen
  • Meeting in Review - 4th November 2021
  • Club Meetings & Other Important Dates
  • Invitation From RC of Mangere
  • Time for a Smile
  • Rotary Four way Test
Speakers
Nov 11, 2021 7:30 AM
AGM & Chis Herlihy, Principal Glen Taylor School
Will Primary School students return this year?
Nov 18, 2021 7:30 AM
ZOOM - Dr Ian Smith
Living With Volcanoes
Nov 25, 2021 7:30 AM
ZOOM - Robert Wheadon, Computer Programmer
IT - Helpful Technical Tips
Dec 02, 2021 7:00 PM
ZOOM - TBA
TBA
Dec 09, 2021 7:30 AM
ZOOM - TBA
Final meeting for this year
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:
www.rotarystjohns.club
Area Governor:
Ashwini Sadhu
021 305 261,
email: marysadhu99@gmail.com  
Our Meetings:  (Subject to COVID19 Restrictions)
 
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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