In President Phill's absence Past President Don stepped into the breach.

There were only 14 members present! A new low for us. Plus the speaker, of whom more later, and Ted's friend Ian Letele who's going to be speaking later in the year. 

Apologies: Phill, Rory, Wendy, Avis, Sue, Phillippa and Henry. Greg also apologised but as he's on leave of absence in the States his name will be excluded for a bit until we're able to welcome him back.

 

President's announcements:

ERKs - a site in Rosebank Rd has been identified. When further work has taken place about half a dozen members will  be required to help fill the containers.

RYLA - took place last week. Club members ferried the participants to the site early one Saturday morning and back a week later. It seems that it was, once again, a very successful event.

Guess who's coming to dinner -  Saturday 11th September. Details have been circulated so now's the time to sign up. Phillippa - 027 474 9452 or Avis 021 289 7893 It's a fun event - and raises loot for our charities.

Don S told us of the annual subscription for 2021 - 22.   Actually he did quite well - he had his hands in his own pockets, an unusual stance for an accountant! The fee will be $300 as the club has to pay, per member $100 to Rotary International, $63 to district, Rotary Down Under $38, the subscription fees to Xero $18, Clubrunner $20 and Zoom $5. The balance goes for the club's administration. Meals at $22 cover the Parnell's costs of $21.50 and make a small contribution to the costs of the speaker's meal. 

Next week we have David Seymour to speak. As he's the local MP and he's the second most popular person to be Prime Minister he deserves a large audience - bring all your friends and  rellies. It should be interesting! 

When the annual sub was being discussed Ingrid reminded us of the continuing need to support Polio Plus. Yes we know that it's been going on forever but it now seems that we're nearer the end of the road. Polio only exists in the community in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, A final affort and we can get rid of it forever - and all donations (easily payable and tax deductable) with your annual sub. and Bill Gates will double your  donation - can't be bad, eh?  

Some of the long serving members were identified and awarded quite impressive certificates:

They were 30 plus years of membership: Jim Staples, Max Morris, and Ted van Arkle

25 plus years of membership: David Hogan, Colin Wilson, Ingrid Waugh, Barry Fitzgerald, Peter Barron Sue Hughes and Malcolm Stapleton. Absentees will be presented with their certificates when they're next at a meeting. 

 

Originally established about 90 years ago as Boystown, Youthtown's mission is to empower and enable all young people to be the best they can be. The speaker made the point that what has changed since our youth is that there is much less face to face contact as youngsters use the 'phones via twitter and other platforms to communicate.  Making them 'the most lonely generation' . This isolation leads to depression and self harm. Youthtown attempts to create  connections, to reduce the possibility this social isolation, a preventative measure rather than a rescue from a dire situation. The point was made the teenagers moving from the structured environment of school to the less structured college or work situation causes a lot of stress. Fay said that they attempt to provide practical solutions to practical problems. An interesting view on the way charities are evolving to cope with the changes in society's needs. 

Your humble correspondent is still getting the hang of this. The Ever Loving had to shut my study door so she wasn't constantly bombarded with my expletives! It doesn't have my best friend, ie spell check, so you'll be able to read why I never came top in English. And the way club runner works is not intuitive, well, not to me anyway,  so some items will be in quite unexpected places!