The evening meeting on 1 September was well attended and interesting as usual. We had a large group of young adults previously sponsored by the club to attend Rotary Young-Persons Leadership Awards (RYLA) in attendance, to also catch up with each other and to hear an amazing presentation of the experiences of the St. Johns sponsored 2022 RYLA Awardees.
There were 24 members and 29 guests present. Co-President Gary introduced all the guests. Sergeant Bell arrived late because of traffic congestion, but it was not an issue as there was no Sergeant session conducted!
1 September 1989 was the first (charter) meeting of our club and Gary recognised this as well as Colin Robinson, the only original member present at the meeting.
Club Notices:
Beryl is on a new membership drive which has included contacting every RYLARIAN previously sponsored by St. Johns Rotary - a huge effort, well done Beryl!
Aubrey - Quiz Night 14 October - Don’t forget to book a table. Gary hopes we will have the future Auckland Mayor in attendance so watch this space and get along to the function. There are tables and single seats available so if you don’t want a table, just book your seats and you never know you may end up on the Mayor’s table…..and win a dinner for two! We have a couple of donations to-date for the silent auctions, HOWEVER does anyone else have something to donate? Please let Lynette, or David Hartstone know.
Maddie - told us about her passion for RYPEN and helping youth become adults and she is doing some really exciting projects.
Kevin K - has put together a team for back up for the disability exhibition
Liz - is helping with the Science Forum in January 2023
Peter Buchanan is doing a lot of work at the Apirana Reserve to clean up the stream and plant trees. He is a volunteer on the Expo stand.
He again acknowledged the amazing support from the RC of St. Johns.
RYLA presentation introduced by Liz Gunn:
It was very evident that this year’s RYLA programme was very inspiring (and sometimes emotional), for all participants and they enjoyed the week and their challenges. One major challenge that all participants thought was going to be the hardest to accept, was to be the whole week without a phone! As it turned out - it wasn't an issue.
The following is a summary of comments from each 2022 Rylarian:
Briar Leith:Eye opening, life changing. Set her up for life. Jam packed, inspirational and challenging.
Briar liked the speakers, especially David Downs and the outdoor challenge was interesting!
Logan Archer:
Physical and mental, outdoor challenge connection to others.
Team leaders and involvement showed different leadership styles. He said he enjoyed taking risks also!
Ruth Lord:
Task orientated
Work as a team
Listen to your team
Kadin NehoHe said he almost did not go. He works as a golf coach and rates our David Hardstone as a golf champ!
So, he did attend the week and found it a welcoming environment and liked the diversity of speakers.
Outdoor experience was great challenging and fun.
He has a better understanding of himself and the leadership styles available.
Small steps can lead to bigger leaps!
Paige de SeymourHere are her words to describe the week:
Bravery, adventure, understanding.
She definitely wants to go forward and apply her new skills.
All in all, the emotion and passion of these young people is inspirational and I think as a group and club we felt proud listening to their experiences and hope that this will be the start of an adventure filled future for each and every one of them.
Please Note: Lynette Boyd is considering undertaking the role of Bulletin Editor and the above report was her first assignment - many thanks Lynette, we are looking forward to reading more from you as the transition takes place!!!
Sam Lucas surprised us with his presence and updated the members on progress in Madagascar. For latest on ONJA visit 
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8th - COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Attendance at these meetings is not only appreciated, but it's also essential to give all members the ability to have their say in regards to events, projects and activities that the club is or could become involved in. 
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15th. REAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER - Craig Lord, Auckland Mayoral Candidate. 
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22nd. BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER: Wayne Brown, Auckland mayoral Candidate. 
The clock's ticking and we are now only 5 weeks away from our Quiz Night. 
