The meeting started at 7.40 am due to technical complications - as ever!;
Members Present:
Fifteen members were present. Those who did not attend are to bring a note from their mother!
We welcomed guests from Trumpistan - Rick and Jessie Smiley who had been traveling in Godzone, plus Julie Yallop. We had two guest speakers from the Science Forum plus John Kim the Science Dean (AGC?) for breakfast.
President:
Malcolm welcomed all attendees, Time pressures meant we moved straight to the presentations.
Main Speakers:
Leo (Letian): Senior College:
Leo enjoyed the simulation of university life that the forum offered. His goal was to talk to like-minded students and better understand life in Auckland.
The forum was full of very smart students plus a gathering of professors and PhDs. He gained insights into the latest research and developments, and also the practical features of technical careers. We heard that the organisation was a bit like a "cult", but in a good way!
His Blue Team engaged in a problem-solving task addressing food alergies and came last in the volleyball tournament. Much fun and challenge was had with the science quiz and the debating competition.
Leo is keen on a career in bioscience. He enjoyed the group dynamics and friendships and he was most thankful for the opportunity to attend the forum.
Nia: Baradine College:
Nia had great fun at the forum. It was very academic, and slightly gruesome! An interesting observation from a prospective medical student!
We learned a new term - Excited Nerd! There were many subjects and varied, The learning experience was quite different from school with cooperation rather than competition being the driver. Companionship was enjoyed with fun and learning combined. Crash courses on high-level stuff were a feature.
Nia's career options are still open - but it is likely to be in medicine. Her Purple Team came fourth in the volleyball. She also was most appreciative of the opportunity.
Visitors:
Following the speakers, Rick and Jessie gave a quick summary of their Rotary Club - East Carolina University - It has been going since 1917 with a new club spinning off in the 80s. We were presented with a banner for our wall. Rick works at the university while Jessie is a Nurse Anaesthetist. We reciprocated with pens and a cheap-jack version of our banner.
TB Eradication Project:
Ingrid gave a quick update on this. The project is to eradicate TB in Nepal - the disease is virulent and devastating in these parts. Jointly sponsored by the Honorary Consul in Kathmandu and Salt Like City Rotary, the project is seeking funds from the Community Group, plus there is an application for a District Grant. It is proposed that the Parnell Club fund to the tune of $500. There was general support from members for this proposal.
Sargeant Colleen:
The Super Bowl, Bill Boyd's memorial service (His Theme was: Lead the Way), Ausie woke bankers, Waitangi Day, The Cook Islands, and jandals-versus-lightning all got a mention. Pockets were lightened, and we learned again from Mr Trump, the value of keeping one's mouth shut!
Three-Minute Speaker:
.Nick addressed the throng. A brief review of the movie: Conclave, made the point that we do not have to settle for the cascade of useless information that comes upon us, but rather we can share useful stuff - everything from good restaurants to good tradies and professional service providers.
This sounds like the genesis of a project, Nick!
There is a Gizmo garden working bee this week as usual.
The meeting closed at 8.25 am.
