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Editors Rant
This PENULTIMATE issue might be late as our techie Simon is indisposed but there’s plenty to read and look at when you do get it. ... presentation is your Big Wig Ed;'s handiwork this week and celebrates imperfection too.
So is a meeting pic of our glorious leader and we just have to do with his smiling pic I found on the web for Dave’s Rave.
In Club News we report Pres Dave telling us last tuesday evening it was our penultimate meeting before changeover… we also feature another full and well attended meeting welcoming a new member, a RYLA Elevate presentation and a guest speaker..
In Members Slot we have a call for volunteers for reinstating a vege plot and a picture story on our flagship fundraiser.
In Rotary World DG Allan reflects on being a rotarian.
Yes I had to find the courage this week and now have the power. Enjoy when you do get this.
Ron Seeto Big Wig Ed.
Dave's Rave
You have the power, do you have the courage?
Have you ever noticed that life has a way of testing our positivity? It can seem like the more we age, the easier it is to adopt a critical, conservative, and dare I say, negative mindset.
Well, fear not! In today’s “Rave” my goal is to unleash the power of positive thinking and connect with the optimist within each and every one of us.
Life can be a rollercoaster ride, and it's easy to get caught up in the lows. But let's take a moment to reflect on the good stuff! Like that delightful feeling when you find money in your old jeans, or when you’re late to the airport only to find the flight was delayed anyway. It's the small victories that make life enjoyable.
Pessimists on the other hand are like human black holes! They can suck the joy out of any situation faster than you can say "sour grapes." Pessimists always see the glass as half empty… and it’s dirty, with a crack.
Our goal should be to rekindle the positive attitude of our youthful self. How would the 22 year old you react? Something like: “Who cares if the glass is half empty (or half full) - I know where the bottle is and I can refill the glass whenever I want.”
In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, unfair or even broken, it's important to remember that good people still exist. Take a moment to appreciate the kindness that surrounds us. From the friend who helps you out when you must tend to family member, to the stranger who holds the door open with a smile. These are the unsung heroes that remind us that the world is, indeed, a good place.
Do we have the courage to be the change we wish to see? By embracing the power of positive thinking, we can transform our club into an oasis of optimism and gratitude. Let us stand united in our commitment to see the silver lining, share laughter, and acknowledge the good people around us.
Remember, a positive mindset is like a magnet; it attracts happiness, opportunities, and inspires others to join the brighter side of life. Together, let's be the shining beacons of positivity that our community needs.
So, if you have the courage, let's strap on our rose-tinted glasses, put a smile on our faces, and show the world just how powerful positive thinking can be.
Club News and Notices
RYLA ELEVATE : Di MARTENS : BRUCE COTERILL
WELCOME: President Dave welcomed us to his penultimate meeting for the year as President. He reported on the Melbourne RI Conference: a very full attendance held in the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park. The 2024 Conference will be in Singapore. He commented on the most enjoyable social evening held at the Bradshaws the previous Friday; and thanked club members for another very successful Circus Quirkus – our major fundraiser for the year – held at the Due Drop Centre, Manukau, at Kings Birthday weekend [raising just under $90k]. In a couple of weeks’ time, at our Changeover, he will be reminding us of some of our significant achievements for the year – and welcoming President -Elect Mike Alison to the role for 2023/24.
RYLA Oceania Elevate participants
We heard from Amy & Jack, two of our RYLA attendees who had graduated to the Elevate year-long programme. Jack’s challenge is Project Lemur in Madagascar raising funds for water and emergency aid. Amy’s project is working with the Sepik Dental Clinic in PNG. They were than joined by Anna, visiting from Australia, and Grace who had completed the Elevate programme a couple of years previously.
Articulate and impressive young leaders for tomorrow – great ambassadors for D9920 RYLA. This year’s course [supported strongly by Newmarket] is taking place at Eastern Beach at the end of this month.
Di Martens
Make yourself known to our newest Club member Di Martens, who has extensive experience in the real estate industry. Di was introduced to the Club by Greg Carr and welcomed by Ric Buchanan and President Dave. D.martens@barfoot.co.nz
Great to have you with us Di – we hope you enjoy your Newmarket Rotary experience and look forward to meeting you.
Bruce Coterill
Our speaker for the evening was Bruce Coterill – author of the book “The Best Leaders Don’t Shout.” Bruce is a transformational leader and a regular columnist for the NZ Herald. He has had extensive leadership roles in companies such as Colliers, ACP Media, Canterbury International, and The Yellow Pages Group.
Bruce has also initiated the Bikes for Blokes Charity and in the last couple of years has twice biked from North Cape to the Bluff, raising more than $500k in the process for Prostate Cancer and Mens Mental Health.
By his own admission, an “opiniated observer,” Bruce gave us his views on NZ’s current problems, and the importance of our forthcoming “make or break” general election. Describing this as a “sliding doors” moment for the country, he identified such issues as our:
GDP – 40th in the OECD
Inflation rate
Rising interest rates
Running budget deficits and managing debt
“Brain drain” overseas of our young qualified graduates
Some of the vital areas he saw us needing to address included:
Law and order
Health Care
Education
Political transparency and integrity
A strong, balanced and independent media
He also gave us [particularly for the RYLA elevavators] his four C’s of Leadership:
Clarity
Communication
Consistency, and
Care
He finished with a full “what next” question and answer session. Thank you Bruce for a challenging and forthright presentation.
Coming Up:
Tuesday 20 June – lunchtime meeting at Ellerslie. Donna Hedley from the Salvation Army.
Tuesday 27 June – evening meeting at Remuera Golf Club. Changeover.
Tuesday 4 July – lunchtime meeting at Ellerslie. Incoming President Mike Alison’s inaugural meeting.
MEMBERS SLOT
RCoN x CIRCUS QUIRKUS 2023
a report in pictures from incoming Director Public Relations LIV McIVER
EPSOM LODGE HELP WANTED
Morena korua
I'm emailing to drum up some support for a working bee at Epsom Lodge to help reconstruct the garden beds.
We had to move them because of the refurbishment and wish to rebuild next to the northern staff car park.
I've invited RCON and Parnell Rotary to a working bee on Thursday June 22.
There will be two sessions. One starting at 10am and finishing at 12. The second from 1pm until 3pm.
I'm looking for two or three hardy souls from each Rotary who are willing to do one or both sessions.
The work is to nail together the new beds and fill with compost. If we have time we will plant up some winter veg too.
The rain day is 29th June at the same times.
Please let me know if you can help either by email: mike.bryan@salvationary.org.nz or phone (022 177 4581).
Would you be able to advertise this in the club-runner please Ron/ Alan?
A person or organisation is a remarkable entity that embodies the power of vision, innovation, and compassion. They are driven by a strong sense of purpose and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to inspire and empower others sets them apart. With their creative thinking, resilience, and unwavering determination, they continuously strive to achieve greatness.
Through their actions, they exemplify integrity, authenticity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. They are a shining example of what can be accomplished when passion and dedication are combined, making them a true force for good in society.
Throughout the world there are 1.3 million Rotarians who deliver “Service above Self” in many ways and it is important that a single event or situation does not sway you away from the valued reasons why you are a Rotarian. This defines you as someone who lives the values of Rotary, and your communities are so important to you.
We heard from Amy & Jack, two of our RYLA attendees who had graduated to the Elevate year-long programme. Jack’s challenge is Project Lemur in Madagascar raising funds for water and emergency aid. Amy’s project is working with the Sepik Dental Clinic in PNG. They were than joined by Anna, visiting from Australia, and Grace who had completed the Elevate programme a couple of years previously. 
Our speaker for the evening was Bruce Coterill – author of the book “The Best Leaders Don’t Shout.” Bruce is a transformational leader and a regular columnist for the NZ Herald. He has had extensive leadership roles in companies such as Colliers, ACP Media, Canterbury International, and The Yellow Pages Group. 
A person or organisation is a remarkable entity that embodies the power of vision, innovation, and compassion. They are driven by a strong sense of purpose and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to inspire and empower others sets them apart. With their creative thinking, resilience, and unwavering determination, they continuously strive to achieve greatness.