President started the meeting with welcoming the guests and reminded all member about how to donate to Make A Wish Foundation. He also requested members to spare a thought for people of UK who witnessed 88,000 COVID cases and reflected on our luck as we have not experienced such serious outbreaks here in New Zealand. He then smoothly handed the proceedings over to Santa.
Santa sung the song naughty and nice, those have been good and those have been bad. James was declared the naughty one. Santa then told us that most of us have been good. Our club speaker of the year was Adrian and had a Chocolate from the Santa number 2. New members received the treats too!!
Michelle had a special mention for her contributions towards environmental contribution and taking the club in the right direction. Rosalie was also acknowledged for her contributions to the club.
Quiz went underway next with some rough guesses and some accurate replies. Winners were given chocolates; In the process all members learnt something new and a few laughs were always on the menu. Questions were around shelter boxes, cargo shed, NZ-Australia student exchange through Rotary clubs. The questions were rather part of the story telling and kept all members engaged. Well done Santa
Christmas Poem
Christmas is a great time to take stock of what is really important in life. If you go online, there are many versions of the classic poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" written by Clement Clarke Moore - first published anonymously in 1823 – which give many different perspectives on Christmas. This version was cobbled together from some of the hundreds of versions online, together with a bit of original doggerel. It’s about being kind to our world – very necessary whether you believe in climate change or not!!
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land, Families concerned about our planet were taking a stand.
Some learnt about global warming on the Discovery channel, With their TV and Christmas lights powered by big solar panels.
Later as they were finally tucked up in their beds,
Worries of climate change chased round their heads,
Thoughts of drowned islands and endangered species,
Like polar bears, sea turtles and other rare beasties.
While others, uncaring about sea levels and climate extremes, Who tossed their rubbish where it could poison our streams, Dreamed of big cars, more gadgets, and stuff of dubious worth,
Unconcerned that their actions could be harming the earth.
And up near the North Pole, real concern could be seen,
With a focus on being earth friendly, Santa went green.
He was already reindeer-powered, so no fuel on his list,
But this year he added a new sustainability twist.
In the fast throw-away world, he wanted others to share Ways to live with joy and appreciation, and a reason to care.
Too many messages today of fear, emptiness and dread,
Santa wanted transformation to dance in their heads.
So as young and old nestled all snug for the night,
Santa’s sleigh took off in a far different light.
Sure he had toys for good kids but on a much bigger mission,
He included books on recycling, and reducing carbon emissions.
He was hoping that eventually, more people would care,
And that there’d be more positive action happening next year. Cleaner water and less waste as people came to their senses,
Like farmers ensuring their stream banks have fences.
And workers having bright ideas popping into their heads, Like commuting by bus or bike to get to work, instead.
To beat all the traffic and save lots of time,
And not get so frustrated while waiting in line.
Less people using disposable bottles and bags, as of right, And maybe more people not taking so many long flights.
And after Christmas when the rubbish and left-overs are seen, People will not think of convenience, but focus on green.
Recycle the wrapping paper, maybe replant the tree?
And think carefully how best to reduce the Christmas debris.
And remember the adage that caring brings joy
And not treat the planet like some cast-off old toy.
And 1 New Covid Delta Variety.
In 1843 Auckland was mostly farmland, and the show began as a purely agricultural event. Its main purpose was to display livestock and promote the breeding of stud animals in order to increase stock diversity in the young colony.
Ladies from our club then sung the poem Twas the night before Christmas written by Clement Clarke Moore but originally published anonymously in 1823. Poem sung by the members was amalgamation of hundreds of versions available online and touched upon climate change in particular. As the fairies sung the poem, it reminded us all of Christmas and pushed us to think about climate change and sustainability.
rhythm soon.
Rosalie is working on this project and is seeking crowd funding to see it come to fruition they are requiring $25000.00. Check out the link for more information.