Bulletin 16/04/20
Posted by Bev Maul-Rogers
Virtual meeting via Zoom, Thursday 16 April, 5.00pm
Great turnout of Rotarians and friends on Thursday. At one stage we counted 44 who had joined. President Robyn welcomed AG David Hulme, Honorary Member David Cooney, prospective members David Partis and Alan van Niekerk, partners of members, as well as exchange students Zara Newman and Sarah Eastwood who are continuing their year in France.
Sarah said she was being hosted by a lovely family and before lockdown visited many places. She is finding the confinement interesting – the weather has been lovely and they are ‘chilling out’ in the garden and having BBQs. She is due to move on to another host family shortly. Zara said there are four in her host family. Lockdown has been confirmed for another month and they are allowed out for food and exercise only.
AG David Hulme spoke of the Matamata cluster and the reaction to that. Matamata Rotary was also having online meetings.
Ray Milner said he was shopping for an elderly gentleman as part of the Neighbourhood Support group of which there were around 28 volunteers. People volunteering had been buddied with one other person only to minimise contact.
Firewood delivery may be possible once the country moves to Alert Level 3.
Unfortunately, a few Rotarians had had accidents or were unwell and our thoughts are with them.
Mayor Jim Mylchreest
Mayor Jim Mylchreest joined the meeting and was welcomed by President Robyn. Mayor Jim said things at Council were going as well as could be expected under the current situation. Council was meeting online and councils across the region were having regular catch ups. Setting the rates was going to be a challenge and the Annual Plan on which they had sought public feedback would have to be reviewed. Central government may fund some projects and decisions needed to be made on projects that will help get back on track. He noted those projects that would be on hold and those that would proceed. Currently the situation is a moving feast – there is a 15% - 20% reduction in residential building. Mayor Jim said he was incredibly proud of the community.
President Robyn thanked the Mayor for making time to join the meeting on line and giving an update.
NOTICES
Cyclone Harold and call for Donations for Emergency Response Kits
Stuart Batty of RNZWCS has sent out a call for donations for Emergency Response Kits (ERKs). The appeal is to replace stock in preparation for the next adverse event and to replenish stock following distribution to affected communities following Cyclone Harold. The cost of a kit is $600 but any donation will be gratefully received with a donation certificate issued to the donees. Greg Gascoigne will speak to this topic at the next online meeting. In the meantime further information can be found on the attachments that are being sent to members in a separate email.
Next Online Meeting – Thursday 23 April, 6.00pm
Don’t forget to login to Zoom using the link that Bill will send you for our online meeting next Thursday, 23 April at 5.00pm.
COVID-19 and Rotary
We are leaders in our communities and this time of crisis calls for leadership, so it is everyone's responsibility to come together to help each other and those in our communities who need Rotary's help. To take an excerpt from the RI President's letter; "We can put a greater emphasis on the work we do in our communities by helping our less fortunate neighbours cope with the effects of isolation and fear, or by supporting our health authorities to address this situation."
Read the book titles for an appropriate message
“Figure of speech”
Deb and Bill Robinson successfully found 25 of the 27 figures of speech in the image circulated. A prize will be winging its way to the Robinson’s when this is allowed. Congratulations – and if anyone can find the 2 missing answers please let us know (image reproduced below). Here are the ones that were submitted.
* time fly's
* don't put all your eggs in one basket
* born with a silver spoon in his mouth
* wears your heart on your sleeve
* a screw loose
* a stitch in time
* a fish out of water
* a red herring
* a mouldy old cheese
* tied up in knots
* an ace up his sleeve
* play your cards close to your chest
* a worm in your ear
* cat got your tongue?
* got the cat by the tail
* cherry on top
* Egg sunny side up
* he could trip over his own shadow
* pull your socks up
* a tough nut to crack
* don't count your chickens before they hatch
* put your best foot forward
* rags to riches
* the shoe is on the other foot
* birds eye view
