Welcome President Robyn welcomed back those returning from holiday
Meaningful Connections
Roger introduced Belinda Gelston, Peter Varcoe and Caro Gately our guest speakers.
Belinda was born in Ireland where she was exposed to the countries tensions from an early age. She began her presentation by giving us an insight into what it was like to live in this
tumultuous time. She moved to Hawera with her parents at an early age. During these years the family was adopted by a local Maori family who helped them assimilate into New Zealand life.
The recent Christchurch situation inspired her to get involved with the Hamilton Muslim community where she found well educated I I immigrants’ especially women; having great difficulty connecting with likeminded individuals.
Belinda is now setting up networks to assist these well-educated immigrants to better assimilate into the local communities.
Annual General Meeting is August
Business after 5 is August 22nd
Ruakura visit is 29th August
Roger Gordon was appointed the Rotary representive on the Resthaven
These are to be discussed a the next meeting
Present ideas for Rotary Service Project: 11 July Meeting
Install drinking fountains in CBD and Greenbelt
Cooking school for refugees, immigrants and lower income groups. Teach low priced healthy cooking
Terrace the bank of the Square opposite Town clock and plant with shrubs, etc. of terrace.
In association with the terracing of the bank above: looking at some kind of renovation/walkway at the top of the Jubilee Steps, as you approach the Farmer’s Market. The area is always muddy and no grass grows under the trees. The area is not part of the Square that would affect cricket but would improve access to the market
Coordinate the replacement and tidy up of Town entry signs
Afternoon tea/coffee for the community. Rotarians bring a dish and we could sell tickets for it (Silvio)
Commission a public artwork
Plant citrus trees in the streets
Outdoor Challenge Skills Park like at Singapore Zoo. Rotary could build it on Council land – Council run it. Singapore Zoo charges $5/turn – the kids and parents love it (Carey)
Run a charitable Cataract clinic with volunteers and donated theatre space. Rotary organise & set up & fund the materials (Carey)
Coordinate a volunteer or paid programme for people to visit and keep old lonely people company – like the young entrepreneur in Chch did (Sam Johnson)
A bus shelter opposite the I Site. Presently there is no shelter for passengers
A funky bike stand as seen in Morrinsville http://www.adrian-worsley.com/bike-stand-sculptures/dog-bike-stand/ cost between $25-50K. We could get one created as a horse
Macracapa logs to be distributed as fire wood
Magic moment
John Windle had a love of penguins from a early age and traveled to Antarctica to further his knowledge. Upon getting onto the ice he discovered a nest and a penguin hatching from its shell. The accompanying Professor advised John that in the 10 years he had been visited he had never seen this. This was Johns magic moment
