President’s message …. great speeches from Luca Macrides from St Peters Catholic School who was the winner of the Rotary School Speech contest with his speech “How Technology can better our World” and the runnerup – Jack Stokes from Cambridge Middle School on “Being Tall”. We welcomed both boys and their parents and wished them well as they move on to secondary school education.
What a celebration for Christmas at Achievement House – the music provided by the Bruised Brothers, the wonderful spread of food donated by local cafes and food outlets and most especially Santa were enjoyed by all present. Thank you to the Band, the kitchen organisers led by Anne Hill, those who picked up food items from the cafes and of course Santa who gave up time from his busy schedule. We are really grateful to the cafes and food outlets for their generosity and willingness to make this special event happen.
I mentioned briefly at the conclusion of this last meeting about District 9930’s “Covid Open Doors Project” – this year’s District Grant program Applications close at the end of February 2021 but it is appropriate that over the few weeks of the summer recess we all think of projects that could be considered so that we can go through the process of selecting the one to go forward.
Project Criteria
- The Project must be demonstrably COVID related
- Focus will be on two groups – the elderly (particularly those living alone) and school children whose education has been disrupted due to COVID
- Ideally, projects should be those that excite the imagination, provide long term benefits for the community and provide our club with PR opportunities
- The maximum sum available per club (from the District Grant) is $5,000 (but the club can put in more of course)
- Applications must be sent to District by no later than 28 February 2021
So, what I am asking is that all Rotarians consider possible projects that come within the criteria above and propose these. Please send your ideas to me by Tuesday, 12 January so that the Board can consider them at their January meeting.
Please note that helping the community recover from the impacts of COVID is included in our 20/21 Strategic Priorities and Objectives.
I am looking forward to the arrival of Santa at the Christmas Parade today and thank all those Rotarians who have volunteered to help with the marshalling. See you there and also at our own Christmas Function at Ian and Liz Grant’s home on Thursday evening.
Meeting Notes 3rd December 2020
Members were treated to fantastic speeches by the winner of the Primary Schools Speech contest (and thereby the Murray Thompson Trophy) Luca Macrides and runner up Jack Stokes.
Jack – a lad of a mere 188cms – was first up, speaking (appropriately) to the topic “Being Tall”. In his understated style, Jack provided real-life examples of the pros and cons of being vertically endowed. After many humorous examples, Jack left us with the observation “Be happy being you”.
John Bullick astutely noted that Jack’s stated height of 188cms was in fact an increase over that which Jack admitted to when he made his appearance in the speech night back in September. He keeps growing.....
Next was Luca, a very dramatic performer. Luca’s topic was “How technology can improve our world”, and Luca spoke to his perception of a vast technological resource being wasted on trivia such as social media platforms and the like. He was critical of the mis-use of this resource as we humans seek escapism rather than confronting real issues, and looking to improve humanity’s lot.
A very thought provoking comment by a lad of just 13 years of age.
Both boys will be attending High school next year. Richard Johnston on behalf of those present thanked the inspirational youngsters for their presentations, and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Bill Wilson advised bar duty members that the key to the Rotary fridge was “hidden” – if we can now sensibly refer to it as a hiding place now that it has been broadcast – in the confines of the lectern.
Members participating in the Christmas Parade must report to Bill Robinson at the i-Site at 12 noon on Sunday.
The Christmas Party will be at Incoming President Ian Grant’s house again – Thursday 10 December at 5.30 pm, $35 per head. Members and partners to bring a gift appropriate to their own gender for around $10, plus plates & cutlery. BYO.
Address: 151b Duncan Road. Tamahere
The E-waste group have a collection at the Cambridge High School on Saturday 5 December, the final collection for the year.
The raffle was won by Jan Bilton and John Windle.
President Bev closed the meeting at 7.50 pm.
