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Special Edition

Changeover July 2017

Stories
2017 District Changeover
 
Well Done at the District Governor's Changeover in Palmerston North tonight
We all arrived at the Palmerston North Fire Station noting how cold and miserable the day was.  However the atmosphere amongst friends both old and new was amazing.  Over 180 people attended to both farewell Martin from us for his outstanding year as District Governor and to welcome Mitch Brown into his year as District Governor.
The early evening event was fun, we had the usual ceremony required of the changeover but all done in a way that kept the atmosphere light. 
The evening commenced with a troupe of excellent dancers called “The Jorjaz Dancers” young people with intellectual disabilities who are using music and dance to enrich their lives. 
Their passion and dedication was very evident. “There is no adversity that self-expression cannot overcome”.
 
Mark Cassidy the President of the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson wrote in his newsletter only 2 days after the celebrations:
It’s that time of year again when everything changes, as one Rotary year finishes and a new one begins. We say farewell to Martin Garcia and acknowledge his contribution as District Governor last year and welcome Mitchell Brown as the incoming District Governor. 
 In one sense nothing really changes as the ideals of Rotary remain the same. The coming together of like-minded people who enjoy each other’s company whilst serving their community, both locally and internationally, is and remains our driving force. However we face challenges, particularly in attracting and keeping new members.  
Mitch’s theme this year, is “Let’s go WILD about Rotary”. We do need to celebrate and communicate to current and future members what great things Rotary does and above all what fun and how rewarding it is to be a Rotarian. I would like us all to think, for one moment, about why we are Rotarians, what makes it so special for us and then talk to somebody about it. A friend, family member or colleague perhaps who you feel might make a good a Rotarian and would enjoying being part of our club.
Mark Cassidy
President
As always we had an MC – John Stevenson from Carterton who added his own style to the evening and ensured that most things were kept on track.
Martin took the time to round off his year, talking about the highlights, the fun and the pride he had in the amount of work that is carried on across the District.  He stated that the experience was a real privilege, “we thank you for all your hospitality, support, commitment and service”  
The event cannot be concluded without a sincere and heartfelt thanks to Denise for her support, not only to Martin but to the whole district.
There were a number of citations and awards:
PHF Awards
  • PHF+2 Deb Gimblett (Levin), outgoing District Chair Club Development
  • PHF+1 Adrienne Murray (Plimmerton), District Newsletter Editor
  • PHF+2 Graeme Blick (Plimmerton), outgoing Rotary Foundation Chair
  • PHF+1 Richard Stephen (Hutt River Valley), District Website Manager.  

    DG Citations to:
    • Carol Green (Mount Victoria), outgoing District Administrator and Secretary
    • Joanna Newlove (Hutt Valley) outgoing District Chair Public Relations and Communications
    • Trish Brown (Mount Victoria), outgoing AG Hutt 1
    • Kevin Conroy (Carterton), outgoing AG Wairarapa
    • Nigel Ramsden (Makino) outgoing AG Whanganui.  
    There are another 5 PHF Awards to be presented over the next week – they will all be presented by 12 July.
    • PHF+1    Professor Jim Johnston (Karori) District Coordinator for Youth Science Programmes and Forums – awarded at Karori Rotary this evening
    • Four more to be presented.
    There are also some DG’s Citations yet to present because people were not at District Changeover and Martin will visit Clubs to hand these over during the next few weeks.
    Congratulations to you all for your contribution at the District level.
    Some comments that I picked up from Facebook
    Martin a year well done. I am sure your vehicle will be glad of a few nights in the garage. You are an inspiration to us all with your untiring presence and support to D9940. It must a pleasant relief to pass the weight of the DG chain onto Mitch!
    Both you and Denise can be very proud of the work that you have done for District 9940 in your year as DG. I am very appreciative of your words of wisdom, advice and encouragement. Enjoy your future as Immediate Past DG though I do not think the workload will decrease all that much!
    It was Anthony Scott’s role to formally introduce Mitch to everyone, as it had been his role (and delight) to ask Mitch, by visiting him at work at the Fire Station, if he and Fiona were up to the challenge of becoming DG.  The rest as they say is history.  A four year training plan, working with the those who are now Past District Governor’s combined with the busy working life as Area Commander, Manawatu Area for Fire and Emergency New Zealand.  
    The very first thing that Mitch did was dance with a couple of the young people from Jorjaz Dancers - chosen because they could fit into the fire crew uniforms! 
    And then of course the passing of the chain, a weight lifted and one accepted with enthusiasm and pride.
    Introductions of the next DGE  -  Marion Johnston from Whanganui with her husband Mike
    And
    DGN:   John Heremia Mohi from the Wellington North Rotary Club and his wife Lane
     
    Mitch talked about the RI theme and annual goals
    Doing Good in Your Community, Service Projects, End Polio Now, Public Image and Awareness of Rotary, Rotary Leadership Institute, Club Development & Membership, Wildbase Recovery, Local Volunteer Fire Brigades, Local Council Projects, plant a tree for every Rotarian, Rotary Action Group for Endangered Species, Peace & Conflict Resolution, Vocational Training Team / Group Cultural Exchange, Usborne Dictionaries and Atlas for Schools
    Mitch asked us
    So in Rotary District 9940 in the 2017-18 year can I ask you to Go Wild About Rotary in our clubs and communities, so all our endeavours ensure we as Rotarian’s met our goals in the Presidential Citation and achieve our Rotary International theme - Rotary: Making a Difference.”
     
    We cannot leave this without a welcome and thank you in advance to Fiona.  Fiona will be our District Administrator, and without doubt Mitch’s eyes and ears for information that will support us all in this Rotary year.
    “ Have a Wonderful fun filled year Mitch and Fiona”
    .“Love it Mitch. Welcome to the DG world. Enjoy this year and make every post a winning post !! Keep those fires burning.”
    Today is the first day of what will, without a doubt, be a stunning year in Rotary. Welcome.
    This bulletin has been emailed to all 9940 Rotarians
    Bulletin Editor
    Adrienne Murray