Richard McKenzie does an exceptional job arranging our guest speakers and the club was well entertained by Pallas Hupe Cotter on June 11th and a week later by Richard Hayward.
Pallas, who was born in Turkey to American parents, has lived in many parts of the world, and has recently moved to Alexandra with her husband who is working for the Centre for Space Science Technology. Pallas describes herself as a writer, speaker, broadcaster, mentor and company founder. She spoke to us about personal development, how she helps people to understand what is unique about themselves, and how we can develop Rotary by firstly understanding what Rotary means to us, and then promoting our core values to others. It’s easy sometimes to be a little dubious about motivational speakers but I thought Pallas was great. We should try to have her back some time.
Last Tuesday we heard from Richard of Real Journeys. He told us about his guiding work in Milford Sound and Fiordland in general, and some of the interesting history of that beautiful area. Real Journeys was established in 1954 by the Hutchins family, some of whom are still actively involved in the company leadership.
My year as club president is almost done. Change-Over night is next Tuesday at The Cellar Door and Justine will be taking over the reins (should that be the chains!). I’ve enjoyed my time as president. We have done some very useful community work and fund raising for worthwhile causes, and enjoyed ourselves along the way. I extend my grateful thanks to all directors and office bearers without whom the club would not function, and to the wider membership who have willingly helped out on so many different projects and activities.
So that’s all from me. See you on Change Over night.
Directors June Meeting Highlights
A certificate from Dunstan High School acknowledging Alexandra Rotary Club as a Platinum Sponsorship Partner was presented.
Jim said that the river track work was progressing well. Asplundh has lost the contract and is auctioning it’s gear off. Delta are taking over the contract from July. The club does not get paid for supervising this work.
The plaques for the Armistice memorial have been taken over by the RSA who are progressing this.
For your diaries: There is a collection day for Cystic Fibrosis on the 16th and 17th of August, a call for volunteers will be made shortly.
A group led by Jillian Jopp are exploring the creation of a NRG (Next Rotary Generation) club in Alexandra. They have met with the founder of the Invercargill NRG.
$14920 was received from the Charity Dinner.
$2000 was received from a local resident for the riverbank clean up.
The trust has $41000 in various accounts.
A donation of $2000 was made to the Lend a Hand Trust.
The trust is due to get $1300 back from the Otago Regional Council, which was money charged for a resource consent that could not be used.
It was agreed to sponsor a shelter box at a cost of $1100.
Following up on my earlier query a few weeks ago about whether there would be interest in a whisky tasting evening, I've arranged for Neil Taylor, a whisky connoisseur from Cromwell, to come along and talk to us at our meeting on 9 July. The venue is yet to be finalised, but it could be at the Ferris Road Brewery. I'm hoping the cost of the meal (pizzas or nibbles) will be less than usual: about $15 per attendee.
Neil's introductory talk will be followed by a whisky-tasting session, which will cost an additional $20 for three whisky samples -we could pay more (~$25) and get 4 samples. We need at least 20 tasters to make it work. Neil says that these events are usually popular, but he needs numbers well in advance so he can get good deals on his purchases. I'll maintain a spreadsheet for this purpose.
Could you please indicate to me either by calling me at 4486094, or by calling or texting me at 027 8611827, or by emailing me at richard.mckenzie@niwa.co.nz
1. If you already know that you will be an apology for the meeting (final apologies to be notified as usual)
2. If you want to be one of the tasting group (indicate number of people if more than 1).
3. How many whiskies you want to taste (e.g., 3, 4)
Advance Warning
Rotary Quiz Night 2019
Alexandra District Club
Tuesday 12th November 2019
More information about this zone project coming soon, including how we will digitize our history books. If you have any historical photos etc now is the time to start digging them out.
Next Bulletin
Will be published on Friday the 5th of July. Please send content to the Editor.
