Visitors
President Kay welcomed guest speakers Marsha Chiet and Rachel McKinnon (our newest member) from Life Education Trust, Marsha from North Wellington, and Rachel from Wellington. She also welcomed former member, Philip Mottram.
The speakers said …
Our club has had a long and splendid relationship with the Life Education Trust, which was set up to add vital extra components to the standard school curriculum. Life Ed’s educators visit schools and lead children to a better understanding of health and wellbeing issues, so they can make healthy choices as they progress. You can read Mike's report about their visit here.
Viewpoint
Chris Garrett (who has lusted after a Ferrari since he was a boy) gave us the Viewpoint tonight. He opines that we are not yet geared up for the majority of cars on our roads to be electric. There is insufficient power in the grid, he says, insufficient charging facilities, insufficient options for farmers, and insufficient options for battery disposal. When he changes his car again, he says, he will be looking at hybrids.
What’s coming up in October and beyond?
Next Tuesday, 26 October, Marilyn Garson, an experienced aid professional who created jobs at the edge of war, will talk to us about The Reality behind the Gaza Blockade. In 2011, she was invited to move to the Gaza Strip. Friends warned her that nothing worked behind the Gaza blockade. In 2019 her book, 'Still Lives: A Memoir of Gaza', was published and tonight she will tell us about some of her experiences.
Allan Nichols reported that 47 people are booked for Guess Who's Coming to Dinner on Saturday 30 October (subject to Covid restrictions).
President-Elect Denise reminded members that there is still time to support Porirua Club's fundraiser in aid of Polio with the James Bond Movie, 'No Time to Die' on Monday 1 November 2021 at 5.30 pm. Sunday 24 October is International Polio Day (see the details in last week's Update).
The Melbourne Cup and Casino night will take place on 2 November. The bar will be open from 4.00 pm and we will be joined by our partners, members of the Cruising Club and Tawa Rotary. The Emirates Melbourne Cup Race will start at 5.00 pm and there will be a small prize for everyone who turns up. There are the usual prizes for the best-dressed man and the best fascinator. Dinner will be earlier than usual at 6.00 pm. After dinner, we will have a small casino evening. As ever there will be heaps of wonderful prizes (although Allan is always happy to receive donations of even more).
As usual, you can go to the Events page or the Rotary Calendar at the top of the right column on the Events page, both of which will be kept right up to date. If you want to make changes or additions please contact Wendy for the Events Page, Nick for the Calendar for Tuesday nights, and Kay for the Calendar for social events and other activities.
Snippets
President Kay reminded members that Treasurer Bruce has asked everyone to change their meal payments to $105 with effect from the beginning of November (and not a moment before).
Communications Director Phillip is still looking for volunteers who would like to participate in the trial. If there are insufficient volunteers, he will enquire at other Rotary Clubs.
President-Elect Denise asked members who were preparing to use data shows with their presentations to send the file to Peter Sinke before the meeting so that he can set up the technology more quickly and easily on the night.
Lindsey Wood sent around a schedule so that members could choose dates and times when they can take a slot for Christmas present wrapping at North City Plaza in December. This is a Tawa/Porirua/Plimmerton event. The schedule will be sent around again over the next few weeks.
The Almoner said …
Leigh Corner reported that he has had to postpone the Memorial Service for Laurie that was due to have taken place on Sunday 31 October. He will notify members when this can be rearranged.
The Outside World
At these difficult times, when we are beset with news about the latest vaccination numbers, sickness, and death, and resistance by some people to be vaccinated, this heartwarming story might help to put things into perspective.
Almost 5,000 people queued for hours in the rain at a swabbing event in Worcester, England, to get tested to see if they were a match to help save the life of a five-year-old boy fighting a rare cancer after his parents asked for help.
Parting thought
Joe Perera gave us the Parting Thought tonight. He said, 'Anger Management. Angry with someone? Count before you talk. If a person is younger than you, count to 10 then speak. If a person is around your age, count to 30 then speak. If the person is your husband, keep talking - don't count. If the person is your wife, keep counting - don't talk! Hahahaha!!!'
Who’s on duty for the next month?
Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Graham Wallace.
If you're a late 'no show' please tell President Kay.
Please arrive at 5.45 pm if you're on Door duty or hosting the Guest Speaker 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.