Rotary Club of Plimmerton
Visitors
President Denise welcomed back Brett Jones, former Rotarian from Central Melbourne Rotary and now living locally.
She offered apologies from Phillip Reidy who is laid low with a severe cold and from Dexter who is in Auckland.
She knew she spoke for everyone when she thanked Allan (and Barb) for hosting the wonderful movie evening the previous week.
She asked members to spend ten minutes with their normal committees following the meeting and then move to their 50 Committees to further their plans for the 50th celebrations. She was delighted to tell members that 100 people had accepted an invitation to attend the Gala Dinner on 23 May and very much looked forward to this special occasion. She mentioned that, if anyone had forgotten to register, it might be possible to squeeze in a couple more.
Viewpoint
ViewpointMichael Parker's Viewpoint this evening was about Change. Change, he said, is a constant aspect, and managing change requires good community debate to avoid misspending of limited taxpayer funds. Population growth, the market opportunities, along with strategic changes of direction are contributing factors for allocating limited resources. In our lifetimes Computer Technologies have themselves caused revolutionary changes and benefits. Some of our community groups prosper and grow, while others face unemployment deprivation and poverty. Critical factors in achieving prosperity are attitudes and abilities. Possibility thinking, along with luck (or timing) that recognises opportunities are major influencers. Funding the economy is hugely expensive and if waste is to be avoided and Hospitals and Schools adequately funded, then every one needs to do their bit. The unemployment benefit introduced in 1938 to help sustain families when work was not available, appears to take as a career option by a minority. He said that his viewpoint was, today, when there are widespread labour shortages, a cap needs to be put on this practice. Every physically and mentally fit individual, needs to recognise they are responsible for their (and any dependent children’s) needs.
What’s coming up in May and beyond?
Drinks and Nibbles will take place this Sunday, 7 May from 4.00-6.00 pm, at Wendy's home. The car deck and the drive are free for parking. Please come up the steps to the back door. Anyone who might find those steps difficult is welcome to let Wendy know so that she can arrange for them to come to the front door and up the stairs on the chair lift. Just let Chris know if you'd like to come along.
DG Marilyn Stevens will be 'dropping in' to our social evening next week on Tuesday 9 May.
You can find all future events here as usual.
This week’s happenings
Donna has followed up with Porirua City Council about the building of playgrounds for accessibility for all users as part of our planning for the 50 year celebrations. PC have responded by saying that the Council does include consideration of accessible and inclusive elements in its playgrounds, especially in community and destination playgrounds – smaller neighbourhood playground options are often limited by resources. restricted access, suitable car parking, public transport links and toilet facilities. Aotea Lagoon Concept Plan has signalled that this destination playground will be renewed in the coming years, which will include accessible play elements. Around the country fully inclusive playgrounds tend to emerge from public private partnerships, which they would be open to explore as part of future projects.
Parting thought
Jenny Lucas gave us the Parting Thought tonight with a quote from Dr Seuss. 'You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.'
Who’s on duty for the next month?
Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Leigh Corner.
If you're a late 'no show' please tell President Denise.
Please arrive at 5.45 pm if you're on Door duty or hosting the Guest Speaker for the evening.
For apologies or additional guests, please phone or email Phillip Whearty before 10.00 am on Mondays (or before 10.00 am on Tuesdays if Monday is a statutory holiday) on 027 448 9094 or email philip.whearty@harcourts.co.nz The same applies if you're going to be late.
