A city of contrasts

Another canyon of buildings

Our final day in New York.

Where in the world do you have buildings so tall, so eclectic and so close and in such close proximity - next to a park that is so large and spacious and peaceful?

Where else can you travel 102 floors up in 60 seconds, but it takes 2 minutes to call and travel in an old lift up 8 floors (in our 31st Street apartment)?

The tranquility next to
Ground Zero

Where can you see so many yellow cabs but have to wait for a horse drawn cart to cross the road?

Where can you view the United Nations building but only 5 minutes from Ground Zero which signifies the atrocities of this modern world?

You pass luxury apartment blocks of the world famous and turn the corner to some of the poorest areas in Manhattan.

It has been a great experience.  We are foot sore and ready to move on to London.

Preparing for our ride in
the slow lift to floor 8

Is your Club once of contracts?  Are you active in the community but no one knows of your activity.

Are you seeking members but no one is active in asking?

Are you keen to be involved in international activities but your Club has not ventured into developing a project?

Contrasts allow us to appreciate the necessity for action, the impact of change and the poignancy of our stand for world peace, understanding and international goodwill.

New York - a city of contrasts.  Your Club?  How many contrasts can be turned into opportunities?

Get to know our members better

I received an email the other day that read:

A strategy that we have used previously where three new club members provide some insight as to their background and interests. It is a long time since we have done this and we always enjoy it. Can I therefore request that the following new members prepare a five or 6 min presentation covering the following

1.       Who am I?

2.       What is my background?

3.       What is my education and where did I gain it?

4.       What are my  interests?

5.       What has been one of my most successful moment?

6.       What has been one of my blackest moments?

7.       How would I describe myself?

8.       What is my passion?

9.       What am I seeking to achieve?

 A great idea!

Planning Ahead

Jenny in Central Park

Day 3 in New York and we are totally 'sky skrappered' out!  But a great day - having visited Central Park, viewed the modern Guggenheim art in the Gallery, got up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty and having cruised around Manhattan Island in temperatures of 30 degrees plus.  It has been all and more than we had planned for.  Indeed without planning, this trip would not have been half the enjoyable experience we had anticipated.  Working closely with David and Michelle - and with Jenny in the driver seat with all the detail (again) we have been able to put all our planning to good work - New York Passes for cheaper deals, economic accommodation and the ability to enjoy the experience.

Howard 'planning' in Central Park

Isn't this the same with what you are planning for your Club.  Presidents know to keep Presidents elect up to speed with their year so that succession planning can commence at an early stage.  Assistant Governors have arranged meetings with current and future Presidents in their Clusters so that there is a good handover from one year to another.  Lessons learned are identified and passed on as we all try to become more effective in our leadership.  And of course, we are all aiming to continue the focus given to us by President Ray of building communities and bridging continents through Club activities that are bigger, better and bolder.

So we have one more day here in New York.  We plan to go to Ground Zero tomorrow which will be a time to reflect on the focus our Foundation has on increasing world understanding and peace.  We will join up with David and Michele for one last dinner (breakfast will be at Dunkin' Donuts!!) and then we fly off to London.  Even closer to the hour Jenny and cuddle out grandson Ollie for the first time.  Well worth planning for!!

How does your Club compare?

More information here ...

Convention Summary - thanks to Mt Victoria's Bulletin

New Orleans Convention inspires and entertains

As Rotarians said goodbye to New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, and another successful RI Convention, two leaders who have had a lasting impact on the organization also said farewell.  

Ed Futa, of the Rotary Club of East Honolulu, Hawaii, addressed his last convention as general secretary, a position he's held for 11 years.  "I will go back to my first Rotary job, which was and still is the most important job in all of Rotary: the job of being a Rotarian," said Futa, who retires 30 June.  "I've had the honor and the satisfaction of being a part of so many of Rotary's accomplishments: Future Vision, our strategic plan, and our transformation from a valuable -- but sometimes undervalued -- community service organization into a key player in the world of international health and development," Futa said. "PolioPlus has put us in this new position."

John Hewko, the incoming general secretary, addressed the fourth plenary session and will take office 1 July.

RI President Ray Klinginsmith said the highlights of his term have included providing regional assistance for districts and clubs through the new Rotary coordinators and Rotary public image coordinators, developing a more productive relationship with Rotarian Action Groups, moving toward a more uniform size for Rotary districts, and improving the process for selecting and training district governors.  "This year has been a good year for Rotary," he said. "There has never been a more exciting time to be Rotarians, as we approach the end of polio. Our community service projects around the world are estimated to provide local investments of about US$1 billion every year, and our youth and young adult programs are the best in the world. And our Rotary Foundation continues to gain strength."

More than 18,500 members of the family of Rotary, representing 151 countries and geographical areas, took part in the 2011 convention, where they were asked to redouble their efforts to eradicate polio and embrace humanity by thinking of new ways to take on today's challenges.

Convention highlights

RI President-elect Kalyan Banerjee outlined his plans for the coming year and explained the three emphases -- family, continuity, and change -- that should guide Rotarians as they work to support the 2011-12 RI theme, Reach Within to Embrace Humanity . Read the story .

Bill Gates, cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, told Rotarians that eradicating polio was his foundation's top priority. Rotarians must intensify their efforts to wipe the deadly disease off the earth, he said. Watch the video.

Kathie G. Short, of the Rotary Club of Pass Christian, Mississippi, and Kathleen Koch, a former Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, revisited the devastation of Hurricane Katrina during a panel discussion . Michael McQueen, founder of the Nexgen Group, said Generation Y has much to offer Rotary. Read an interview with McQueen .

The family of Rotary put Service Above Self in New Orleans, working on projects to help rebuild areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They helped build a house , finish and furnish a 1,400-square-foot library and reading room at the New Orleans Mission, and painted homes. Watch the videos.

Convention attendees were entertained by some of the city's best musicians, including Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and bandleader Irvin Mayfield and trumpeter and singer Kermit Ruffins. They also saw performances by one of Klinginsmith's favorite artists, songwriter Michael Martin Murphey.

The Big Apple is bigger than BIG

A kind tourist offered to take this snap on top of
Rockafeller Centre

Today Jenny and I walked our legs off.  With David and Michelle we started the day viewing from the top of the Empire State.  We joined the throngs of others on a hot balmy day.  The food, the sounds, the smells and the people all made for a thrilling if not tiring day.  And finally we ended up on Broadway - joining a much younder group to watch 'Rock of Ages'.  It reminded me of the theme DGE Raewyn (District 9930) has of 'Rotary Rocks' which she has adopted.  Not sure if the show would be every ones cup of tea, but if the excitement of the audiences if anything to go by, the results would be great in any District.  It certainly was a remaining memory I have of New Orleans Convention.

Time is flying - we are off to a cruise around Manhattan tomorrow and hopefully another show!  Now off to bed.

Time to get serious

We wonder why there is a lack of Club membership growth in our District.  I believe (and the following survey endorses this view) that people do not appreciate what Rotary does in their community.  Most see our activities are for raising funds.  If this is all we did, would you remain a member?

• On an unprompted basis the awareness of Rotary activities is fairly low. The best known activity on an unprompted basis is raising funds to assist local charities at 15 percent, followed by Rotary Youth Exchanges, which were mentioned by 12 percent of respondents.

• The unprompted awareness of Rotary activities tends to be slightly higher in the higher income groups. However, these differences are not significant.

• When it comes to total awareness, raising funds to assist local charities was mentioned by 81 percent of respondents. Rotary Youth Exchanges was mentioned by 64 percent and Rotary activities and courses which help young people develop their leadership skills was mentioned by 57 percent. Thus, Rotary activities that benefit young people are quite well known. Raising Funds to buy an ambulance for the local ambulance service was mentioned by 47 percent in total, while building houses for poor families in the Pacific was mentioned by 41 percent.

• Rotary projects, such as providing shelter boxes when disasters happen, was mentioned by two percent on an unprompted basis, rising to 24 percent when prompted awareness is included.

• The differences between the sample in total and the income breakdowns are generally not significant. However, it does appear that the total awareness of Rotary activities on the part of respondents in Wellington, is lower than elsewhere. The highest levels of awareness are found outside the main metropolitan areas.

(these results come from a Survey conducted by Research New Zealand - April 2011)

Guest book

Great to see more have signed the guest book - don't be shy :-)

See the bottom of the page....

Cheers, Howard

A long night!!

The family of Rotary in the
Big Easy

Our final night in New Orleans we spent with Dick and Sue Garner - in the French Quarter at a wonderful small restaurant. Great company, great food and an opportunity to swap notes on our role as the respective RPICS for Zone 7b and 8. We have much we can do together to ensure our public image and awareness of Rotary is further promoted in our communities.

It is now Friday evening.

In the Big Apple

Jenny and I have now arrived in the 'BIG APPLE' after a rather long 33 hours! The AMTRAK journey was interesting you could say. It reminded me somewhat of the old Kiwi Express but the main differences were the southern accents and the fact that we didn't stop at Taihape for a pie and cuppa.

All aboard Jenny

We arrived in NY at 5pm- trundled our baggage up West 31st - crossed Park Ave, Broadway and Maddison Avenue and onto East 31st. To our right we glimpsed the Empire State and finally reached Hotel 31. A small but adequate accommodation for the next 3 days. 

We arrived, showered and then ventured out for a meal - New York pizzas - what else!!

As we a little jaded we have decided 10:45 is a good time to retire and to be up early tomorrow to start our exploring.

Youth really into Kiwiana

At the recent 9930 Conference the International Students were fully involved. In fact they could not be more involved. Look at this photo showing them as a can of baked beans for goodness sake.  Others dressed as a pavlova , as a pukeko, as a silver fern and even as a jar of Marmite!
I am not sure they appreciated the significance of these icons - but it was good to see them entering into the spirit of the occasion.
Make sure if you did not attend the District conference this year, that you plan to do so next year.  For 9940 I hear that we are back to 'our childhood' - now my mind boggles at what the dressing up will involve!!

On AMTRAK

On our way - posted on the track. We are about to enter Atlanta Georgia. Trying to get some sleep. Time to review my Public Image notes. Time is rapidly passing. Looking forward to arriving in New York although the train was delayed while they removed trees from the track!

Community involvement

Let's be proactive.  Let's ask our community groups how we can assist.  Look for high profile projects.  Look for projects that Build Communities.  Look for projects that show others what a valuable and worthwhile part Rotary plays in their community.


This 'Welly to Shelly' project has had great profile and these signs were on display along the Wellington waterfront showing how Rotary is involved in making the Community a greater place to live in.  Well done to the local Rotary Clubs involved.

The BIG Apple!

Wow - today we arrive in New York.
Look out Broadway.
Central Park.
Yellow Cabs.
Hustle and bustle.
Shops.
Noise.
Excitement!!


And one step closer to our grandson - Ollie!

Do please sign my guest book

Go to the bottom of the Blog page and sign my guest book.

I would appreciate hearing from you all.

Regards, 

Howard & Jenny (from a hot and streamy New Orleans)

PS  Off on the train tomorrow morning to see the 'big apple'.

Final curtain

Today we have ended the Convention here in New Orleans.  A quick (free) breakfast at Staybidge Apartments and then catching the bus to the Convention Centre. 

First plenary - we heard from Kalyan Banerjee (incoming world RI President) as well as the Japanese Rotarian Sakuji Tanaka (RIP Nominee)

Kalyan's address was passionate and right on the money.  He quotes Mahatma Ghandi who said "you must be the change that you wish to receive in the world".  He urged Rotarians to value family, to promote continuity and to embrace change.  He said 'difficult things are done immediately, the impossible takes a little longer' when he referred to the eradication of Polio.  We are very close.

He said we need to open the doors to the young to join Rotary and encourages all Rotarians to 'write a line in history for good'.

All New Zealanders were proud when past RI President Bill Boyd took to the stage as incoming Foundation Chair.  He spoke of 'images' he recalls of the humanitarian work done by the Foundation and for the need for all in this great organisation to seize the opportunities the Foundation gives to service our neighbours in less developed countries.

The RI Vice President (outgoing) Tom Thorfinnson spoke of the 'rock star experience' of Rotarians making a difference in our work.

We were again treated to some great music - this time from the Rotary Club of Seoul Chorus from Korea.

We went to the House of Friendship for the final time.  I purchases a book and had a good chart with Michael McQueen who spoke out our own District Conference.  I visited the French publication stand and gave then cards and info on the Rugby World Cup hosting and Jenny and I also registered for Bangkok Convention in May of next year - who will be joining us?

After a brief lunch there was another workshop where I heard more the the advantages of the PR Grant scheme and then returned to the Plenary Hall to be part of the final session.

 Ed Futa spoke with the theme 'I Helped' and he truly has seen big changes and has been part of them in the last 11 years as General Secretary.  It was a great end - all the kiwi contingent sat together and we enjoyed a final blast of music from the Simon Estes Music High School Group of Cape Town, South Africa and finally appearing was Michael Martin Murphey (of 'Cowboy Logic' fame) but who ended with his most famous number 'Wild Fire'. 

Truely a great experience that has left a last impression on me of the humanity of our organisation, it's size and international nature and the drive to adapt to the challenges of our changing world.

I am proud to be a Rotarian.

Hawera - ideas to the forefront

Hawera is a small Club compared to some but big on ideas!
In their recent Bulletin they spoke of the idea to set up a 'community facility' in line with the 'men's sheds' theme. This is a great idea. A drop in centre for people to meet, socialise and at the same time work on community or personal projects or just to have a 'cuppa' in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Jenny and I visited the purpose built one in Masterton during our Club visits - a wonderful concept and I believe there is a place for them in the heart of cities as well with the increasing number of retirees living in apartments.

Is your Club looking for a new, 'signature' project? Why not investigate this idea a little more.

A wow moment!

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
entertained!

It had to come.

Every Convention has a wow moment.

Today we had an inspirational address from the current chair of Rotary Foundation Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar who spoke of the changes required by Rotary International to keep pace with the changes in society.

Although he qualified his statements by reminding us of the need to have the Council of Legislation, he suggested the need to to pass legislation such as:

• the possibility of no more annual theme

  

  Wonderful New Orleans architecture

• having a paid 'RI President' for a period greater than one year
• having a Trustee Chairman for a period of four years instead of an annual appointment
• of having a younger consistent head of Rotary International to provide consistency and to be more marketable and attractive for younger members and fr corporate sponsors

Jenny and DGE Norma reunite - Norma
and Gary hosted us in Rochester

Following his address - which was greeted by a standing ovation - we had the privilege to listen to Bill Gates who spoke of the confidence he held in completing to job of ridding the world of the scourge of polio.

I don't have the time to write his address up in full (and will do on another posting), but needless to say it was motivational and encouraged all 1.2 million Rotarians to keep up the effort.  We have raised $173 Million of the $200 Million challenge which was due to be raised by June 2012.

We will not surrender - we will achieve our goal.

Howard and Jenny with a bunch of Aussies!!

In Bill Gates words "I say to Rotarians of the world who live a life of service above self, I am 100% convinced that this fight is winnable"

Meanwhile today was a day of workshops and plenary sessions - Jenny went sightseeing.

Tonight we joined those who we were hosted by at Rochester prior to the 2010 International Assembly in Rochester, Up-State New York.  Another great night.

Facebook and today's Rotaractors

What a great bunch - on Charter night - 10 May 2011

I posted this on Facebook (I'm still learning!!)

Isn't Facebook a wonderful way to communicate. Greetings to you all from 9940 - lower North Island of New Zealand. This year Jenny and I have had an experience which has left us totally humbled by the work our wonderful organisation does to assist individuals, communities and indeed our planet. We have been made so welcome as we have visited each of our Clubs and as we have listened to them describe their projects and tell of how their members serve their community. The sad side of the visits has been the dilemma many face over membership. The increasing average age of Clubs is a concern. I encouraged them to think differently, to be prepared to be bold and creative and to energise their Clubs with new projects, possibly new venues and definitely by inviting in new members. It has been a great year with the support of a wonderful District team. Next week we fly out of New Zealand bound for New Orleans, looking forward to meeting the other 'merlot' jackets!

It was great to charter a new Rotaract Club this week with PRIP Frank Delvyn doing the honours!

posted in Rotary District Governors 2010-11

 

Africa, music, challenges and a paddle

Another wonderful day at the International Convention here in New Orleans.

Africa

Over 1,000 African delegates are attending the conference

President Ray has a real focus on African projects - here is a country with the lowest per capita rotarians and with the greatest of needs - Patrick Chisanga spoke personality about eh needs in Africa through the Reach Out To Africa (ROTA) programme who talked about Poverty, Ignorance and Disease and how Rotary can make a real difference.  

Music

Imagine twenty young people with a ukulele in hand, singing from the heart and playing 'Flight of the Bumblebee' - absolutely wonderful - a standing ovation.

An African choir can onto stage and sang so wonderfully it caused all to gasp in wonder - this was another highlight.

Irvin Mayfield septet played traditional jazz and made President Ray so proud - truly professional and a privilege to witness.

 Challenges

Workshops were attended by delegates and I was able to attend the Branding workshop - packed out and listening to one of Coca Cola's advisers and what we can do for Rotary.  He three words for Rotary were - leaders, service ad significance which he then turned into a statement of Rotary is "leaders involved in service of significance."  I then went and spent time on the Public Image stand meeting people from around the world telling them of our new role of Public Image Coordinators working alongside Foundation and Regional (Rotary) coordinators.

And a paddle...

After a quick journey back to the apartment we set off for the river.  We boarded the paddle boat (Creole Queen) on the Mississippi with David and Michele and had another great night.  Jazz, food, river breezes and great views.  A fitting way to end yet another day at International Convention.  This experience is absolutely worth every penny.

New website gives half its profit in donations and prizes

New Zealand charities, community groups, Not For Profits and schools, are all set to become the main beneficiaries of a new online garage sale and shopping site, USave, which will give away 50% of its sales commissions in donations and prizes.

USave, at www.usave.co.nz, opened its doors to the public today with over 40 charities already registered to receive donations. Schools and community groups are on the way, and hundreds of merchants are offering thousands of products at cut price deals.
USave co-founder, Steve Harris says, "We want to be the biggest donator to the New Zealand community in the country, and we want the public to save money on everything they buy, not just daily deals. To help facilitate that we have designed a website where people can shop for some of the best sales in town, give to their favourite charity, community group or school, while going in the draw to win daily prizes.

This little character is after a name

“Half of our profits are going toward donations and prizes to the USave community. Furthermore, for each person that signs up an additional $5 goes to their community group or charity of choice.
“For the first time ever people can make a donation, to the Kiwi cause closest to their hearts, without putting themselves out of pocket. At a time when the gift of giving has become more difficult than ever, USave makes it easy and fun.”


Have you signed up yet?

Haruka gets time out from Japan

Greetings Howard and David,

After returning from Japan with Shelterbox, I have been contacted by a team of kiwi's (lead by Jon Doherty) that have come up with a concept called time out in NZ for Japanese students needing 'time out" from the devastation and trauma of there recent 'big event', can I ask if this forwarded information could be circulated through our fantastic network..media courage is building and there is support form the Government and some serious corporate movers and shakers.

Hope you are both well,

Yours in Rotary, Lyndon Tamblyn Rotary Club of Marton SRT Shelterbox.

 

Time out in NZ

A Facebook status update led to a student's escape from Japan. 

Tokyo 13-year-old Haruka Higo was on Facebook lamenting about her friends having fled the country when a former teacher now based in New Zealand saw her status.

Haruka was offered a temporary place to stay to escape danger from the nearby Fukushima nuclear plant and her parents quickly agreed.

She was in New Zealand some 48 hours later and preparing to start school at Takapuna Grammar. Haruka is staying with North Shore man Jon Doherty and his family who have since set up a website to help others flee the country.

Rangitoto College and Takapuna Grammar were the first to sign up to Time Out in NZ where Kiwi families can register as hosts. The website has the support of the New Zealand consulate in Japan.  Haruka is scheduled to return to Tokyo this month but plans could change if the situation hasn't cleared up.

Not that she minds – she's having fun and has made lots of friends. Having been schooled at an English-speaking international school in Tokyo means settling into a different culture is less of a challenge. "It's really different, my school's really strict on homework and we normally get piles of it. "I'm still getting homework from my school over the internet."

Most of the students at her school were foreign expats and a lot have returned to their countries for good. Haruka likes the idea of living in New Zealand long-term but knows her parents must stay in Japan to care for her grandparents.

"If I could, I would stay here, it's fun. But I miss my friends in Tokyo."

Visit www.timeoutinnz.org.nz for more information or to sign up as a host.