Rotary Club of Plimmerton
The Speaker said ...
This was an evening for Planning Meetings when we don't generally have a speaker. However, President Euon was delighted to welcome the Rotary International Friendship Exchange team from District 7850 in the United States and Canada. They came from the Rotary Clubs of Littleton, New Hampshire, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Mad River Valley, Vermont, and Colchester Milton, Vermont. Flags were exchanged with members of each of these clubs, and Marcia Reese from the Rotary Club of Colchester Milton (on the right of the photo) gave us a fascinating presentation with excellent pictures covering the activities of all these clubs and some useful ideas for our own future activities.
Visitors
Several members from other clubs came in support of the visitors from the US. Euon welcomed Mike Fackney, Christine Meredith and Anne Abbott, all from the Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt. He also welcomed Carolyn Wallace and Bev Lillico who were generously home hosting some of the overseas visitors, and Honorary member, Jim Dearsly.
Viewpoint
Graham Craig's Viewpoint tonight was about religion from the perspective of a scientist and engineer. He concluded by saying, 'by all means, believe what you will. I don't want to change your beliefs but I think we have to show a lot more tolerance and respect for other people's beliefs'. Commenting later in the evening, François Bouchard from the Rotary Club of Sherbrooke, said, 'I don't know anything about religion, but I know that paradise is in New Zealand'!
This week's happenings
We have two weddings to celebrate. Those of Cath Berryman and Ken Gardner, and shortly, Chris Garrett and Anne-Marie Whooley. We wish them all a happy, healthy and exciting future together.
Cath Berryman has asked for six months' leave of absence, owing to work commitments.
Following on from last week's talk about Ghost Finishing, Keith has tracked down the TED X talk on YouTube and here it is. It's well worth watching. Just delete the ads at the beginning, which you can do after about 7 seconds.
Snippets
Allan Nichols reminded members that he needed three volunteers each day to help pick up books and take them to the lock-up. If you can help, please contact Allan.
Kay Phillips will be meeting with staff at Rangikura Primary School to confirm the day/s and exact times when the kind volunteers who have offered to read one-on-one with some of the children, can fit into their timetable. She will be in touch soon. It is likely that the programme will start next week. If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch with Kay.
What's coming up in February and beyond?
Porirua, Tawa and Plimmerton Rotarians have decided to use the District Pergola to have a presence at the Creekfest Waitangi Day celebration on Thursday 6 February. We will be showing off Rotary projects and promoting Service Above Self - we're not selling anything! Plimmerton's 'hour' will be from 1.00-2.00 pm this Thursday at Te Rauparaha Arena. We will be beside the Samoan dancers so will be well entertained! Please come along in your Rotary shirt and let Donna know if you can come. The event concludes at 4.00 so you may wish to stay to dismantle the display.
Next week, 11 February, Wendy Betteridge and Graham Craig will talk to us about 'From Here to Autonomy' - changes that have taken place since most of us took our driving tests all those years ago. How much impact do you think technology will have on all our carefully learned skills? Will it make them redundant?
For all future events, go here.
Parting thought
Philip Mottram's viewpoint was a quote from Buckminster Fuller, a renowned 20th-century inventor and visionary, who said, 'We are called to be the architects of the future, not its victims'.
Who’s on duty for the next month?
Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Philip Mottram.
If you're a late 'no show' please tell President Euon.
Please arrive at 5.45 pm if you're on Door duty or on Introduction duty to greet the Guest Speaker and be his/her host for the evening.
Need to apologise or bring additional guests?
Advise the Receptionist at Professionals before 10.00 am on the Monday before the meeting on 233 9955 or email paremata@dwre.co.nz if you prefer.
Please provide the name (and spelling if necessary). The same applies if you're going to be late.
Euon reminds members that it is the role of the person saying Grace to host Cris for the evening.
