August 8th - Meeting in Review

A total of 29 members and guests helped celebrated "Radiant Robyn's" first month in office and all present signaled that they were happy with the way the year was progressing. President Robyn took a few minutes to talk about some of the activity that she has been involved with over the last few weeks - and WOW, has she been busy, both with St Johns Rotary activity as well as Rotary business in general, much of which has revolved around RYE International Rotary Youth Exchange students, arriving and departing.
 
Much of her activity has also been dealing with the large volume of Rotary e-mail traffic and if you have sent her a message recently and are waiting for a reply - fear not a reply will be forthcoming soon. Robyn also briefly mentioned concerns that some members have recently been expressing of RCSJ being a club of 50%er's.  We have 62 members and 50% (30), responded to the recent survey, approximately 50% of members read the Bulletin, and very rarely do we see even 50% attend meetings. There are of course a myriad of good reasons that these stats exist, but President Robyn is adamant that she and her Board will be reviewing recent comments and feedback received, and they will endeavour to determine what actions can be taken to increase the percent of active members and their involvement.
 
One of our guests at this meeting was PP and Hon member Andy McCarrison. Andy briefly addressed the meeting, bringing best wishes from the "Southern Branch of St. Johns Rotary". Current members of this branch include; Andy; PP and Hon member Mary-Ann Davison; PP and Hon member Alex McKenzie and Wendy; Hon Member David Stone and Jill and Hon Member Mike Henry and Maureen.  This select group manage to get together regularly and when they do they fondly recall their St. Johns days.  Andy and Mary Ann have recently built a beautiful  house on a lifestyle block in Marlborough. Andy invited those finding themselves in the area to visit, although he did mention that the last thing Mary Ann said to him before he headed to Auckland this week was, "Just don't invite them all!!" Pictured above with Andy and Mary Ann, is the new Clubhouse!
 
Our guest speaker at the meeting was Tom Smith.  Tom is the CEO of Parafed Auckland and he and his team gave us a detailed insight into the challenges facilitating Sport and Recreation opportunities for those with physical disabilities. 
 

Parafed Auckland is New Zealand’s oldest and largest disability sport organisation.  They lead a network of 15 sports clubs and activity providers catering for 300+ members and are the lead organisation for all physical disability sport in Auckland, providing pathways and opportunities for beginners, all the way through to Paralympic Champions! Prafed's Vision is "To enhance the lives of all disabled Aucklanders" and their Mission Statement is "To deliver and connect Aucklanders living with disability to quality opportunities in Sport and Recreation.

Tom also introduced to the meeting, Katie Owen.  Katie not only works for Parafed, she was also a St. Johns sponsored 2019 RYLA Awardee.  Katie was able to take the opportunity to thank St. Johns for their support, as well as share with us the highlights from the week and just how much the experience has already impacted favorably on her life, both personally and professionally.